§ Mr. Spellerasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make it his policy to set the grant to the British Overseas Trade Board at a level that provides the same purchasing power in future years as the £27.5 million provided in 1984–85;
(2) what is his policy towards the British Overseas Trade Board and its funding.
§ Mr. ChannonMy right hon. Friend values the work of the British Overseas Trade Board (though its activities, like those of all parts of his Department, are of course kept under continuing review). But it cannot be totally exempt from measures to restrain public expenditure. Its budget of £27.5 million for 1984–85 is expected to be broadly maintained in cash terms over the next three years.