HC Deb 19 July 1994 vol 247 cc183-4W
Mr. Lidington

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will announce the results of his review of the Department's export market information centre; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Needham

Twelve organisations expressed initial interest in running an export market information centre —EMIC—and I invited six to make formal bids. I have selected the offer from the management of the existing centre. The other bids, from the British library and the joint venture headed by the Institute of Export, included, however, a number of attractive ideas capable of enhancing the services which EMIC could offer its customers. I am pleased to say that both organisations have agreed to offer services in a form of partnership with EMIC. Precise arrangements are being negotiated. The new combined services should commence in the autumn and allow EMIC to be fully integrated with market branches, export promoters and business links.