§ LORD BROWNMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to advertise to overseas buyers in foreign countries the existence of the Ministry of Trade and Industry's Computerised Export information service as a means of getting in direct touch with British suppliers of the goods which they require.]
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD DRUMALBYN)My Lords, some advertising has already been undertaken on this subject on an experimental basis in Western Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and Australia. Its effectiveness is still being assessed, and its continuation in these four countries and its extension to other selected markets will be considered when the results have been fully analysed.
§ LORD BROWNMy Lords, I am grateful for that Answer, and delighted to hear that the Government are spending money in this admirable way. No doubt the Minister is aware that until recently, at any rate, the number of inquiries being received per British post overseas per week was only of the order of 36 per post. I certainly hope that this advertising programe will extend the number very greatly indeed.