§ 17. Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to improve the quality of help given to British exporters by Her Majesty's diplomatic service.
§ Mr. GoodladSince the establishment of a joint FCO/DTI directorate to co-ordinate overseas trade services, there have been significant improvements in the quality and range of services offered to exporters. There is a much greater emphasis on quality and speed of service, new services are being introduced, staff training has been overhauled and contacts with industry, trade associations and chambers of commerce enhanced. Feedback is very positive. Ninety per cent of our customers surveyed would use our services again.