Lord BRUCE of DONINGTONMy 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 what steps are being taken by the Commercial and Export Division (CRE5) of the Department of Trade to secure the active participation of British exporters in the expanding OPEC markets.
§ Lord WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, this new Division has been specifically set up to give greater emphasis and importance to our commercial relations with Middle East countries. It is concerned with all aspects of our commercial policy and effort towards these vital markets. The Division works closely with the British Overseas Trade Board and other Government Departments so that the skills and services available in these areas are organised and deployed in the most effective way to encourage and support United Kingdom exporters. In addition to travelling overseas for direct discussions with foreign Governments, officials of the Division are in close contact with representatives of British commerce and industry both directly and through the Committee on Middle East Trade.
Lord BRUCE of DONINGTONMy Lords, is my noble friend aware that the 646 share of British exporters in these markets declined in the year 1974 by no less than 16 per cent.? Is my noble friend also aware that there are complaints from some of these exporters that they are not receiving from the English banking system all the credit facilities required?
§ Lord WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, our trade to the area under discussion has increased substantially, although it has dropped by about 2 per cent. in comparison with our competitors. Very firm efforts are being made by the Department of Trade to provide the necessary financial backing for aid to exporters to the area. May I refer my noble friend to the Statement made by my right honourable friend in another place on 20th February relating to the extension of ECGD facilities to include costescalation insurance and assistance with the issue of performance bonds. Of course other problems will fall under review as they arise.
Lord JANNERMy Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether he will make it perfectly clear to those OPEC countries that anything in the nature of a boycott of British firms, as a consequence of the fact that they happen to be or to have as directors persons of a certain religion or race, will neither be tolerated by this country nor by any decent people? Will he give an assurance that that kind of action will immediately be dealt with before it becomes a bitter and serious slant on our trade relationships?
§ Lord WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, I shall certainly bring the point of view of my noble friend to the attention of my right honourable friend the Secretary of State.