HC Deb 07 February 1968 vol 758 cc125-6W
115. Mr. David Watkins

asked the President of the Board of Trade what measures he is taking to enable manufacturers of complementary products to use the same export agents and facilities.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody:

I am putting in hand in my Department a special investigation into the possibility of introducing some form of Government-sponsored group representation scheme as a means of helping small manufacturers who cannot afford overseas salesmen of their own. The inquiry will explore the demand within industry for a service of this kind and will look into the various methods of group selling which are already in use by British firms and by firms in other countries. Suitable products and markets for a pilot exercise will also be identified if the results of the initial research are favourable.

119. Mr. Hooley

asked the President of the Board of Trade what particular help he gives to small highly specialised firms to promote their products overseas.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody:

The full range of services given or sponsored by Government to assist exporters is available to firms of all sizes and to all classes of industry. Arrangements exist for helping small firms new to exporting to get in touch with established exporters willing to assist them.