§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he anticipates his proposed British Export Board will be constituted; what savings in finance are expected; and what is its likely total cost to Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. NobleWe hope to appoint the chairman as soon as possible and thereafter the other members of the board. It is expected to be fully operational by January, 1972. The rationalisation which we will be able to achieve under the new organisation's arrangements will yield some savings but I am not as yet in a position to give a precise figure. I expect the total cost of the work of the new board, subject to any savings that are made, to be about £11 million, including staff costs and overheads.