§ Mr. CashTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has any new plans to help British exporters.
§ Mr. SainsburyMy right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and for Trade and Industry have agreed that a new unit, reporting to Ministers in both Departments, should be established on 2 April 1991. The unit—to be called the joint directorate—will be responsible for the development of export promotion policy.
Its aims will be to: deploy staff effectively in the United Kingdom and overseas, in line with the priorities for export promotion; ensure that all staff engaged in export promotion are trained to consistent standards; provide a fully integrated service both at home and overseas; and improve the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to the changing needs of United Kingdom businesses.
Earlier today, the British Overseas Trade Board published the second edition of its forward plan. The plan, which has the full support of Ministers, sets out the priorities which will guide the way in which the substantial resources available for export promotion will be used in 1991–92.
Information about the joint directorate and copies of the forward plan have been placed in the Library.