§ Mr. Michael Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Trade what active steps he is now taking to promote exports; and what success he has achieved during the current year to date.
§ Mr. DellAs President of the British Overseas Trade Board I have given my support to the board's work in promoting exports. The board offers a wide range 425W of services for exporters and the high level of demand is a measure of the value placed on them by firms. I am Chairman of the British Overseas Trade Advisory Council and one of the patrons of Export Year. I have met Ministers and industrialists from a number of countries both in London and overseas and have discussed trade development. Exports in the first nine months of 1976 have increased in value by £3,904 million and in volume by 8 per cent. compared with the same period in 1975, but this achievement is primarily due to the activities of British industry.