§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on giving assistance to British companies seeking to locate production bases outside the UK. [122976]
§ Dr. MoonieMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has the lead responsibility for providing advice and assistance to British companies seeking to locate production bases outside the UK. Such assistance is provided through the British Trade International organisation, run jointly by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
UK civil firms that have decided to invest abroad can obtain assistance by using the "Offset-Investment Brokering Scheme" which is run jointly by British Trade International and the Defence Export Services Organisation. This service connects Defence firms which possess indirect offset commitments, with investors, for their mutual benefit.
565WWhere a UK defence equipment manufacturer is successful in winning export business which requires, under industrial participation arrangements, the establishment of local production facilities, the Defence Export Services Organisation will provide additional support and guidance if required.