§ Mr. Maurice Macmillanasked the President of the Board of Trade what response he has had to the new Export Credits Guarantee Department scheme for small exporters from the Halifax and district area; how many firms in that area have been approached independently about increasing exports under this scheme; how many have replied; what proportion of those replying were interested in taking part; and how the response from this area compares with that from other areas, and from the country as a whole.
§ Mr. ErrollThe Department has written to 114 firms in the area who were considered possible users of this new facility: these letters did not ask for a reply except from firms interested in knowing more. In addition the Halifax and District Chamber of Commerce kindly undertook to circulate 300 descriptive folders to members. During the first month of operation four inquiries have been received and two policies issued; two other firms have signified their intention to take policies as soon as any business materialises.
It is not possible to draw valid comparisons between results in this and in other areas, but something over a hundred policies have been issued in the country as a whole.