Export Councils (Financial Assistance)

HC Deb 23 July 1968 vol 769 c108W

Mr. Alexander W. Lyon

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to provide financial assistance for export councils.

Mr. Crosland

In view of their special circumstances I propose to make annual, but tapering, grants over three years to the Clothing Export Council, the British Agricultural Export Council and the Book Development Council. The grants will be for approved export promotion activities and for each Council the grant will be up to a maximum of £20,000 in 1968–69, £15,000 in 1969–70 and £10,000 in 1970–71. I shall be presenting a Supplementary Estimate in due course, but in the meantime any necessary advances will be made from the Civil Contingencies Fund.