HC Deb 13 April 1994 vol 241 cc222-3W
22. Dr. Goodson-Wickes

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent initiatives he has taken to improve the standard of advice given to British business men via Her Majesty's embassies overseas.

Mr. Needham

I am in regular contact with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs about commercial work undertaken by FCO posts abroad. They are an integral part of our overseas trade services network. Recent initiatives, including the establishment of business links, the recruitment of export promoters and the preparation of market plans for our top 80 markets share the common objective of enhancing the standards of every part of the overseas trade services.