HC Deb 17 February 1958 vol 582 cc117-8W
Mr. Goodhart

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to promote trade with the Middle East.

Sir D. Eccles

I have decided to make new arrangements to keep the Government in touch with representatives of industry and commerce who have practical experience of selling in the Middle East. An Advisory Council on Middle East Trade will be set up. My hon. Friend the Minister of State will be Chairman and Mr. W. H. McFadzean of British Insulated Callender's Cables Ltd. has agreed to be Vice-Chairman and industrial leader of the Council. The other businessmen who have agreed to serve are:

  • Mr. R. A. P. Bevan, O.B.E., S. H. Benson Ltd.
  • Mr. W. R. Beswick, Power-Gas Corporation Ltd.
  • The Hon. M. R. Bridgeman, C.B.E.. British Petroleum Co. Ltd.
  • Mr. G. C. R. Eley, C.B.E., British Bank of the Middle East.
  • Sir Norman Kipping, J.P., Federation of British Industries.
  • Mr. H. G. Nelson, The English Electric Co. Ltd.
  • Mr. T. A. L. Paton. Sir Alexander Gibb & Partners.
  • Sir Henry Spurrier, Leyland Motors Ltd.
  • Mr. Frank Taylor, Taylor Woodrow Ltd.

Additional members may be appointed from time to time. The Council will also include senior representatives from the Treasury, the Foreign Office, the Board of Trade and the Export Credits Guarantee Department.

I am confident that this Council will make a substantial contribution to the development of trade with countries in the Middle East to our mutual advantage and I am glad to have this opportunity to thank the businessmen who have agreed to serve on it.