§ Mr. Wakehamasked the Secretary of State for Trade what estimate he has made of the export opportunities for United Kingdom sail makers; and whether he has made an estimate of the effect on their export competitiveness as a result of the introduction of VAT at 25 per cent. on the home market.
§ Mr. DeakinsNo global estimate is available of export opportunities for United Kingdom sail makers, but the British Overseas Trade Board will be glad to assist firms in their search for export markets. No estimate is available of the effect of the increase in VAT on export competitiveness, which also depends, of course, on other factors, such as the state of overseas demand and the strength of competition in particular markets.