§ Mr. Squireasked the Secretary of State for Trade, in view of the disadvantages to British manufacturers likely to ensue from the proposal to end Government subsidy for delegates from industry attending meetings abroad for the setting of international standards, if he will reconsider this proposal.
§ Dr. VaughanThe British Overseas Trade Board provides a travel fund for certain delegates to international standards meetings, but has decided to end the scheme in March 1983. That decision, which was announced by the then Secretary of State in April 1980, did not imply any doubt about the importance of international standards
56Wshowing imports of oranges in 1980 during each duty period from (a) dutiable sources at the full rate, (b) dutiable sources at the reduced rate, and (c) duty free sources.
§ Mr. Peter ReesThe information is as follows:
work, but, owing to other heavy claims more directly related to export promotion, BOTB funds were no longer available.
However, in view of the representations made by industry and the importance my Department attaches to international standardisation, I am looking at other possibilities of providing some alternative financial help.