§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the proportion of exports by United Kingdom manufacturing companies in percentage terms in each year since 1979.
§ Mr. Fletcher[pursuant to the reply, 8 March 1985]: The specific information is not available. Exports of manufactures as a proportion of total United Kingdom exports are as follows:
26W
Manufactures as a Percentage of Total United Kingdom Exports BOP Basis Per cent. 1979 76 1980 74
Per cent. 1981 68 1982 67 1983 66 1984 66
§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what support his Department provides to small companies which want to establish export markets;
(2) what steps he is taking to encourage the export of United Kingdom manufactured products.
§ Mr. Fletcher[pursuant to the reply, 8 March 1985]: My Department provides a full range of export services in support of British industry and commerce including the manufacturing sector. The services are operated under the direction of the British Overseas Trade Board (BOTB), and are described in the booklet "Help for Exporters", a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. Many are particularly suited to the needs of small companies, which may lack the managerial and financial resources of larger companies.
A review of BOTB services in relation to small firms was carried out by two board members last year. A copy of their report is also available in the library.