HC Deb 04 July 1997 vol 297 cc298-9W
Mr. Letwin

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the task forces established by her Department or in co-operation with her Department, together with their responsibilities and compositions. [5996]

Mrs. Beckett

[holding answer 30 June 1997]: The following task forces have been established by the DTI since 1 May:

Interdepartmental Task Force on Competitiveness in Europe Responsibilities: To advise on the implementation of the Governments manifesto objectives to complete the Single Market and promote flexible labour markets across the EU. Composition: Chaired by Lord Simon of Highbury (Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe), and including Ministers and officials from the Department of Trade and Industry. HM Treasury, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for Education and Employment, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, the Scottish Office, the Home Office and the Department of Social Security.

Low Pay Commission Responsibilities: To examine the options for the nature and level of a national minimum wage. Composition: Chaired by Professor George Bain. Other members to be decided.

Export Forum Responsibilities: To review the effectiveness of current official export promotion programmes and to make recommendations. Composition: Chaired by Director General Export Promotion, DTI, with representatives from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, HM Treasury, Departments of Health, Environment, Transport and the Regions, and National Heritage, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Export Credits Guarantee Department, the British Council, the British Overseas Trade Board, the Confederation of British Industry, the Trades Union Congress, the DTI Overseas Projects Board, British Chambers of Commerce, British Invisibles, the Chemical Industries Association, Business Links and three small exporting companies.

In addition to participating in task forces, the Department uses a variety of methods for developing its policies and for cooperating with other government department.