HC Deb 23 February 1971 vol 812 c105W
Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what policy is pursued by his Department and by the nationalised industries, in regard to competing with private British consultants for work overseas.

Sir J. Eden

As was confirmed in Lord Cromer's Report on "Exhort Business from Capital Projects Overseas" (Cmnd. 3516), the nationalised industries have a considerable expertise which they can usefully deploy overseas. Where independent British consultants have also established interests in overseas markets, the industries normally seek to work through, or in collaboration with, the consultants. I am currently discussing with the consultants representatives and the chairmen of the nationalised industries for which my right hon. Friend is responsible whether more might be done to further this collaboration.