§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement about the phasing out of his Department's export division; if he will quantify the expected annual loss of sales abroad; and if he is considering supporting the medical equipment and supplies industry in expanding its own promotional activities.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinMy Department has played a valuable and constructive role in support of health care exports and I intend that it should continue to do so. I have no intention of phasing out the export function; indeed, I aim to develop a new partnership between government and industry in order to increase health care exports.
We have recently published proposals to this end which have been well received by industry; and we will be publishing an agreed action plan as soon as possible.