§ 11.5 a.m.
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:—
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage members of both Houses of Parliament travelling abroad to visit our commercial representatives in the Commonwealth and in foreign countries.
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD MANCROFT)My Lords, Members of both Houses of Parliament will always be welcome visitors at the offices of our commercial representatives abroad. Those with business interests may like to know that a series of pamphlets entitled Hints to Businessmen are available for some seventy countries, and these, together with a list of the names and addresses of our commercial representatives overseas, are available in the Library of your Lordships' House. The Export Service Branch of the Board of Trade is more than willing to give Members in advance such advice on specific commercial problems as they may need.
§ Lotto OGMOREMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that answer, and while hoping that Members of both Houses will take advantage of the facilities he has mentioned, may I ask him whether similar facilities are available to those who may wish to consult information officers at the Embassies and Commonwealth Relations Offices abroad? And as this is the last Question before the Recess, may I wish the noble Lord a happy and, above all, a tranquil holiday?
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, the answer to the first supplementary is "Yes"; and to the second "Thank you very much."
§ LORD BIRDWOODMy Lord, arising out of the noble Lord's supplementary question, may I ask whether the sense of curiosity might be encouraged to extend o the British Council representatives?
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, I think the opportunity to consult representatives of the British Council is being taken more frequently.