§ Mr. Brocklebank-Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) how many companies have become new exporters as a result of Export Year;
(2) how many companies are now taking part in Export Year;
(3) what has been the cost from public funds for Export Year.
§ Mr. MeacherBy midday on 9th November, 721 organisations had notified their intention of running an Export Year. 267W Among these are 33 of the top 100 exporters either as complete groups or through important subsidiaries; this extends the coverage to well over 800 units and to a very large number of employees. The British Overseas Trade Board has so far committed £43,278 of non-staff expenditure on Export Year.
The concept of Export Year is addressed to established exporters and newcomers alike and, therefore, we have not sought to distinguish the newcomers from the rest.
I hope, moreover, that any firm which exports directly or indirectly will seriously consider running a year. The campaign will continue through 1977.