§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Trade when and why a charge was imposed for arranging agencies for exporters; and what is his estimate of the revenue which will be collected on this account, excluding VAT.
§ Mr. DellWith my predecessor's approval this charge was introduced by the British Overseas Trade Board on new commitments after 5th April 1976. The578W Board's purpose is to ensure the most cost-effective use of its resources, and to this end to use a test of price to help it judge the value attached by exporters to particular services. Revenue is expected to be between £40,000 and £50,000 in a full year.