§ Mr. Staintonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will initiate early talks with United Kingdom exporters to correct the situation where many are quoting export prices in sterling and as a result of that currency's weakness needlessly under-pricing and so reducing the country's foreign exchange earnings.
§ Sir G. HoweExport pricing following recent changes in the parity of sterling against some other currencies is for the commercial judgment of individual companies. I trust that all exporters will carefully consider the opportunity to maximise their overseas earnings by following appropriate pricing policies.
I am considering further guidance for United Kingdom exporters. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has already sent a personal message to some 4,500 businesses pointing out the opportunities now available in Germany as a result of changes in currency parities.