§ Mr. Gregor Mackenzieasked the President of the Board of Trade what guidance and advice has been given by his Department to export departments of the nationalised industries since devaluation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Crosland:In my speech in the House on 21st November and in subsequent discussions with industry, I have made it clear that the Government looks to British exporters, whether in the public or the private sector, to reap the maximum advantage from the opportunities presented to them by devaluation for increasing their foreign exchange earnings. How they can best do this will differ from product to product and from market to market. Many factors— such as dependence on imported material, the state of the international market, profit margins, spare capacity and the maintenance of goodwill abroad— will affect the decisions taken by any individual enterprise on the pricing policy they will find most advantageous to adopt.