§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Trade what are the activities of the East European Trade Council; who are its members; what fees are paid to them; what is the overall cost of the council to public funds; and what plans he has for its future.
§ Mr. ParkinsonThe activities of the East European Trade Council are concerned with the promotion of British exports to Eastern Europe. This is achieved by creating interest in, and disseminating information and advice about, East European markets. It acts as area advisory group to the British Overseas Trade Board.
A list of the members of the council, who are voluntary members and as such unpaid, is attached at annex I.
The council is a grant-in-aid body and payments made to it by the Department of Trade for the last two financial years beginning 1 April are as follows:
A provision of £58,000 has been made for the current financial year 1979–80.
1977–78 … … £46,700 1978–79 … … £52,623 We are currently reviewing the grant-in-aid to the East European Trade Council as part of the overall review of Government expenditure.