§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what studies he has conducted on the roles and influence of chambers of commerce in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) other countries of the European Community; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodNone. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State does, however, take a close interest in the activities of chambers of commerce in this country. In particular, he has been kept informed by the Association of British Chambers of Commerce over recent months of its plans to strengthen the existing chambers movement in the United Kingdom and to place its operations on a sounder, more coherent footing. He and I welcome the positive moves by the chambers to improve and extend the services they provide their members. We are sure that they can do and are doing much valuable work.