HC Deb 13 November 1973 vol 864 cc99-100W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will consider granting an export incentive under phase 3 to cover an increment on wages where a firm exports over 50 per cent. of its products, equipment or machinery.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Cash incentives to individual firms for exports are contrary to our agreement under GATT, and the maximum flexibility arrangements from which of course exporters can benefit are included in the stage 3 pay code. Moreover, it would be unfair to distinguish between firms which export and would therefore qualify for any incentive and those which, although contributing in- directly in the export field, would not qualify.