HC Deb 16 April 1996 vol 275 cc411-2W
Mrs. Roche

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) how much was spent on promoting exports in the environmental technology and services industry in 1995–96; [24640]

(2) what is the budget for the year 1995–96 of the joint environmental markets units; and what amount of that budget was spent on export services. [24641]

Mr. Page

The full range of the Government's export promotion and support services were available to the UK environmental technology and services industry in 1995–96. In addition, the joint environmental markets unit-JEMU-and the UK technology partnership initiative-TPI-were also specifically concerned with promoting UK environmental technology and services overseas. The forecast outturn for general export services, excluding staff and overheads, in 1995–96 is approximately £53 million, though it is not possible separately to identify how much was spent promoting exports for the environmental sector. The 1995–96 forecast outturn for JEMU-TPI, excluding staff and overheads, is £431,000, much of which has supported export-related activity either directly or indirectly. £n addition, in many cases, TPI funds have leveraged local resources to promote UK technologies and services.

Mrs. Roche

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what account was taken of the effects on environmental technology manufacturers when his Department recommended that the Department of the Environment postpone the upgrading deadlines in the process guidance notes; and if a full cost-benefit analysis was obtained. [24643]

Mr. Page

The decision to postpone the upgrading deadlines in the process guidance notes did not result from a recommendation by my Department. It is for the Department of the Environment, as lead Department, to assess the costs and benefits to the environment and to all those affected by any decision relating to environmental policy.

Mrs. Roche

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will take into account the economic cost to environmental technology manufacturers when he makes representations to the Department of the Environment concerning the four-year revision of all chief inspectors evidence notes and process guidance notes. [24642]

Mr. Page

The costs and benefits to all parties with an interest in the revision of these guidance notes will be considered by the Department of the Environment, as the lead Department, at the appropriate time.

Mrs. Roche

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what proposals he has developed a specific export strategy for the environmental technology and services industry; [24638]

(2) what plans his Department has to encourage exports in the environmental technology and services industry. [24639]

Mr. Page

The full range of the Government's export promotion and support services are available to UK suppliers of environmental technologies and services. In addition, in 1992 the Government established a joint environmental markets unit—JEMU—bringing together resources from my Department and the Department of the Environment to ensure that UK firms are informed of the large and growing environmental market opportunities and to help them exploit these opportunities.

As part of a developing strategy, JEMU commissioned a report on the strengths and weaknesses of the UK industry and its global competitiveness, "The UK Environmental Industry: Succeeding in the Changing Global Market". Following this report, the unit has been working closely with the Government's overseas trade services-OTS-including British embassies and high commissions overseas to identify key markets for UK environmental goods and expertise. As a result, environmental technology and services is currently targeted as a priority in 48 of the top 80 UK export markets. JEMU and OTS are also working with industry, trade associations and others to promote export opportunities and to raise the profile of the UK industry abroad.

In addition, JEMU manages the UK technology partnership initiative-TPI-which provides information to business in rapidly industrialising and developing countries on UK environmental technology and expertise. TPI publishes regular information and sponsors overseas seminars about UK capabilities. It has recently reviewed its strategy and is currently producing a directory of 1,000 UK environmental supply companies active or keen to be active in some 37 priority markets. It also aims to expand its network of 3,500 active overseas business multipliers.

As part of its lead sponsorship role, JEMU is currently working with the UK environmental industry to assist it in identifying the factors which affect the industry's competitiveness and in developing a strategy for improved performance. This will include a focus on responding to export opportunities.