§ Mr. CabornTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if, pursuant to his answer of 14 February,Official Report, columns 637–40, he will describe the role of those on temporary secondment to his Department through (a) the export promoter initiative and (b) the programme of interchange of staff with the private sector; and if he will state the duration of the secondments. [22789]
Mr. John M. Taylor[holding answer 27 March 1996]: The role of individuals seconded into the Department as part of the export promoter initiative is to identify export opportunities and to advise UK companies on the best ways in which to pursue them. The role of individuals seconded 738W into the Department as part of the on-going programme of interchange of staff with the private sector varies according to the division in which they work. Details can be provided only at disproportionate cost.
The duration of export promoters' secondment is usually about two years. Other secondments vary in length, and are usually between one and three years.