§ Mr. Batisteasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assistance is available to small exporting businesses in Great Britain to help them overcome non-tariff barriers imposed by other members of the European Community.
§ Mr. TrippierInformation and advice about non-tariff barriers to trade are available to small exporting businesses in the United Kingdom through the market branches of the British Overseas Trade Board supplemented by our commercial diplomatic posts in western Europe. The BOTB gives financial support to technical help to exporters (THE), part of the British Standards Institution, which offers information and advice about how to comply with overseas standards and the technical requirements. Currently, firms with under 200 employees may obtain up to £100 worth of advice from THE free of charge. The BOTB also sponsors the simplification of international trade procedures board (SITPRO) whose function is to help rationalise international trade procedures and associated documentation. In addition, the Government play a full part in the discussions of the Council of Ministers aimed at reducing paperwork and removing technical barriers to trade within the European Community.