§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what Government financial assistance is available to exporters of(a) civilian goods and (b) military equipment. [1568]
§ Mr. OppenheimMy Department, together with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, offers a full range of assistance of all types to exporting companies through Overseas Trade Services. Details of these services are contained in the British Overseas Trade Board's annual report and forward plan, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. In addition, support to civil and military exporters is available through the Export Credits Guarantee Department.
§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if it is the practice of his Department to make an assessment of the loss of earnings by British exporters, excluding military equipment, which may be caused as a result of war or internal conflict. [1569]
§ Mr. OppenheimMy Department, together with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, alerts British exporters to potential difficulties in repatriation of export earnings that may occur as a result of war or internal conflicts abroad. Further action is then a matter for the individual companies. We have no central figures for the total amount involved in loss of earnings as a result of such actions.