§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Trade what are the activities of the Overseas Projects Board; how many people it employs; and what was the cost to public funds in the latest year for which figures are available.
§ Mr. ParkinsonThe Overseas Projects Board was set up to act as a focal point for the co-ordination of British interests in overseas projects, to bring together industry and Government, with the aim of ensuring that British companies won a fair share of that business. The board acts as adviser to the Government about industry's requirements when in pursuance of this business. The board members are unpaid. It has no full-time employees. Staff of my Department provide its secretariat as part of their normal duties.
154WThe board is not separately financed. The costs of the export services provided by the Department of Trade under the aegis of the overseas projects board are borne on the Departments's Vote.