HC Deb 31 October 1996 vol 284 cc182-3W
Ms Walley

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what account he has taken of the size of the chambers of commerce and industry when setting criteria of eligibility in respect of outward trade missions; [41]

(2) if he will give for each of the last four years and for 1997–98 details of the awards given to outward trade missions; [40]

(3) what assessment he has made of the implications of the first stage announcement in respect of DTI-supported outward trade missions for north Staffordshire; and if he will make a statement. [42]

Mr. Nelson

The size of the organisation seeking support is but one factor in determining its suitability to run a mission supported by the Department. Other criteria which a chamber of commerce, trade association, business link or similar organisation must fulfil is that it is based in the United Kingdom; represents a substantial proportion of the companies in its industry and/or area, and is of good standing; it must have adequate staff and financial resources to recruit and organise an effective group promotion overseas; and show an active and continuing role in export promotion activities.

All proposals for support are considered on their merits, with account taken of various factors including, for example, the case made for support; how well the proposal meets priorities identified in the country market plan; sponsor's past record. I need also to balance demand against the budget available.

I am confident that the implications of the recent announcement of the 1997–98 stage 1 mission programme for north Staffordshire and indeed the whole of the west midlands are good. In addition to the three offers to the north Staffordshire chamber, 24 offers have been made to other chambers in the region. As participation is not restricted by membership or geographical location, north Staffordshire-based companies can apply to join any of these missions. They may also apply to join all the others which comprise the existing programme.

Trade missions are an important promotional tool. Some 151 missions were supported in 1993–94; 149 in 1994–95 and 210 in 1995–96. Support has been offered for 281 to take place in 1996–97, and a further 230 under stage 1 of the 1997–98 programme. Subject to the availability of additional funding, further offers will be announced in the new year.