§ Mr. Sternasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of his Department's encouragement to import substitution by smaller companies.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkMuch of the Department's work to encourage innovation and improve the competitiveness of British industry has a reduction of imports as one of its effects. In addition, the Government encourage private sector initiatives aimed at identifying opportunities for United Kingdom companies, notably exhibitions of imported products arranged for that purpose. These are of particular benefit to the smaller company.