§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what specific recommendations have been made, or specific action taken, since 20 July 1982, by the overseas project board of the British Overseas Trade Board to assist the construction industry; and whether he envisages further action.
§ Mr. Channon[pursuant to his reply, 25 July 1984]: The board's third report, a copy of which is in the Library, gives details of its activities up to December 1983. Subjects of interest to the construction industry include the work on bonding requirements, ECGD facilities and the United Kingdom's attitude to the OECD consensus, the role of nationalised industries in the export field and the operation of Government support schemes such as the overseas projects fund and the aid and trade provision.
At present, the board is maintaining a close interest in the problem of bonding, the issues raised by the Byatt report on the costs and risks of supporting exports, the follow-up to the Ewbank report on nationalised industries and the outcome of the Matthews report on the "Future Structure, Functions and Status of ECGD". It is intending to consider various aspects of the United Kingdom's project financing capability.
The board is assisted in its work by the participation of two members of the construction industry and is concerned to keep in close touch with relevant representative bodies such as the Export Group for the Constructional Industries.