§ 27. Mr. Michael Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Trade why and by how much the Government are proposing to cut the British Overseas Trade Board's activities in the financial year 1977–78.
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§ Mr. DellThe Government have recognised the need to cut public expenditure and to make economies in the cost of Civil Service manpower. I have asked the BOTB to contribute to these economies by reducing its direct expenditure for next year by about —700,000 out of a total of about £19 million at current prices, and by a reduction of 100 out of 1,050 in manpower over the next 18 months. I am advised by the board that these measures will involve some curtailment of its services but will not damage the main thrust of its promotional activities.