§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what measure he is taking to encourage the use of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry business information services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeighIt is my Department's policy to encourage United Kingdom businesses to make the fullest use of 473W commercially available business information. As announced on 19 March 1991, Official Report, column 89, we are providing support towards the development strategy of chambers of commerce, including accrediting chambers' business information services. I have now decided that from January 1993 my Department will direct to a nearby approved chamber business information service, inquiries from United Kingdom firms seeking published information on either United Kingdom suppliers of goods and services or on firms in western Europe or North America as potential buyers of United Kingdom goods and services. I understand that chambers will charge for their services. My Department will no longer maintain its own database of such information. I am currently considering whether to extend this arrangement to other overseas markets where there is good published information.