HC Deb 27 March 1985 vol 76 cc222-3W
Mr. Hanley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is satisfied that the re-allocation of the British Overseas Trade Board resources since 1979, reducing support for overseas trade fairs and increasing support for the overseas project fund and the market entry guarantee scheme, has led to an increase in United Kingdom manufactured exports as a proportion of total United Kingdom exports.

Mr. Grylls

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied that the interests of small companies are adequately represented on the British Overseas Trade Board.

Mr. Richard Page

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is satisfied that the re-allocation of British Overseas Trade Board resources since 1979, reducing support for overseas trade fairs and increasing support for the overseas projects fund and the market entry guarantee scheme, has assisted small United Kingdom manufacturing companies to increase their exports.

Mr. Channon

I shall reply to my hon. Friends as soon as possible.

Mr. Coombs

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what effect the rise in the value of the United States dollar against the pound sterling will have on the number of overseas trade fairs supported by the British Overseas Trade Board where the cost of stand space and cost of stand construction is quoted in United States dollars.

Mr. Channon

The rise in the value of the US dollar over the past year increases the sterling cost of running BOTB groups at overseas trade fairs in those areas where exhibition space and stand construction are paid for in dollars. With a cash limited sterling budget, if other factors remain constant this reduces proportionately the number of British groups that can be supported by the BOTB at overseas fairs in those areas.