§ Mr. Lewisasked the President of the Board of Trade what action the Government have taken during the last year to encourage British firms to set up factories, assembly plants or branch establishments in Empire countries; and if he will give full particulars of the numbers of firms that have availed themselves of Government assistance, with similar details for 1951.
§ Mr. MackesonThe decision whether or not to set up a factory in a Commonwealth country is one for the individual firm to take. Where the advice of the Board of Trade is sought in these matters, it is of course readily given. I regret that information is not available about the number of firms which have consulted the Board of Trade or the Trade Commissioners abroad about projects of the kinds referred to in the Question.