§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the Government's involvement in connection with the Nationalised Industries Overseas Group; what public funds are to be devoted to the financing of the group; and what are its precise terms of reference or statement of aims.
§ Mr. DellThe Government welcome the formation of the Nationalised Industries Overseas Group, which should provide better co-ordination and impetus to the efforts of the nationalised industries to work together and with the private sector, to the benefit of United Kingdom exports.
The senior industrial adviser of my Department has accepted an invitation to join the group. This will ensure a continuing dialogue between the group and the Government. I understand that there will be no direct cost to public funds from the operations of the group. The group has published its objectives as follows:
To increase the United Kingdom's overseas earnings with particular reference to:
- direct exports
- overseas consultancy and project management
- turnkey projects
- the scope for standardisation of plant orders placed with United Kingdom manufacturers, to help their exports.