§ Mr. Michael Footasked the President of the Board of Trade what consultations he has had with the Federation of British Industries on his policy of forming groups of firms for the promotion of exports; and what has been the response from the Federation.
EXPORTS OF STEEL TUBES* Tonnages in thousand metric tons. Values expressed as index numbers, with 1957=100 Year United Kingdom West Germany France Italy Tonnage Value index Tonnage Value index Tonnage Value index Tonnage Value index 1951 551 48 N/A N/A N/A 1954† 591 60 538 45 497 72 99 46 1957† 830 100 977 100 585 100 170 100 1960† 747 96 1,226 125 641 128 190 122 1961 644 86 1,180 125 628 121 214 136 1962 537 74 1,326 131 526 105 345 187 1963 513 68 996 101 544 105 331 206 1964‡ 550 75 1,032 109 516 102 384 204 Sources: U.K. Trade Accounts, O.E.C.D. Statistical Bulletins of Foreign Trade (up to 1963), E.E.C. Monthly Statistics (for 1964). * Group 678 (tubes, pipes and fittings of iron or steel) of the Standard International Trade Classification (Revised). Large diameter and alloy steel tubes are not separately distinguished. Fittings are included in order to achieve comparability. † Figures for West Germany, France and Italy include blanks for tubes and pipes. ‡ Annual totals for United Kingdom. Annual rates based on first eleven months for West Germany, France and Italy. N/A Not Available on a comparable basis. Note: Prior to 1960 the Saar is included in France and from 1960 in West Germany.
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§ Mr. RedheadMy right hon. Friend's consultations on these matters have been with the British National Export Council, of which the Federation of British Industries is a sponsor. In his statement of 1st February he mentioned ways in which the Council, with the full support of their sponsors and of the Board of Trade, were endeavouring to promote co-operative action in industry for the expansion of exports, such as the "pick-a-back" scheme, the formation of regional or industrial export groups and the possible establishment of a co-operative export marketing organisation. The Board of Trade have also held meetings with representatives of some 40 industrial associations which I hope will lead to greater co-operative effort in promoting exports.