Chambers of Commerce (Hansard, 11 July 1990)

§ Mr. Allen
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many chambers of commerce have received assistance from his Department in the last 12 months.

§ Mr. Redwood
Thirty-seven chambers have received funding in respect of their position as local host organisations under the enterprise and education initiative. Seventeen chambers have received funding to assist with the appointment of export development advisers. Six chambers have received funding for various activities from inner-city task forces. Three chambers have received funding as part of the Department's support for the South-West Export Federation initiative.

§ Mr. Allen
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the matters which are under discussion between himself and chambers of commerce; when he next plans to meet their representatives; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Redwood
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is intending to meet Mr. Miles Middleton, president of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce (ABCC), later this month to discuss the ABCC's five-year development plan.

§ Mr. Allen
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he last met representatives of chambers of commerce; and what was discussed.
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§ Mr. Redwood
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met representatives of chambers of commerce at a dinner organised by the Association of British Chambers of Commerce on 19 December 1989. A general discussion of the role of chambers of commerce took place.

§ Mr. Allen
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in which Group of Seven countries it is compulsory for local businesses to be members of the chamber of commerce in order to trade; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Redwood
It is compulsory for local businesses to be members of the chamber of commerce in order to trade in France, Italy and West Germany.

§ Mr. Allen
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what functions are currently contracted out by his Department to chambers of commerce; and what proposals he has to extend this cover.

§ Mr. Redwood
The Association of British Chambers of Commerce (ABCC) has, since 1966, acted as the Department's agent in the administration of the certificates of origin scheme. Since January 1989 the export marketing research scheme has been operated by the ABCC on behalf of the Department on a three-year contract. In May 1990 the ABCC assumed responsibility for issuing international import certificates. Officials are currently holding discussions with the ABCC regarding the possibility of transferring the issue of certificates of experience to chambers of commerce.

§ Mr. Allen
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the Government have done to protect the title and definitive status of chambers of commerce and industry.

§ Mr. Redwood
The titles "Chamber of Commerce", "Chamber of Industry" and "Chamber of Trade" are specified in the schedule to Statutory Instrument 1981 No. 1685 ("The Company and Business Names Regulations 1981").
This schedule specifies words and expressions for whose registration as, or as part of, a company's corporate name or whose use as, or as part of, a business name the Secretary of State's approval is required.