§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how much money the United Kingdom currently 325W spends per capita on export promotion; what is the European average; and if he will list the sums for each other EU country. [12863]
§ Mr. NelsonAs shown in the latest British Overseas Trade Board annual report, the total cost of the overseas trade services during 1994–95 was £224.7 million, or £3.83 per capita.
With regard to export promotion expenditure by other European countries, I refer the hon. Lady to the letter of 6 December 1995 from my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond and Barnes (Mr. Hanley) to the hon Member for Gateshead, East (Ms Quin) a copy of which is in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. HendryTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what further steps he intends to take to help United Kingdom firms succeed through exporting. [13995]
§ Mr. NelsonIt is crucial that UK firms take full advantage of business opportunities overseas. The assistance available from Government under their overseas trade services can often play a vital role in this process.
I am therefore publishing today a new range of menus which explain clearly and concisely how the OTS can help UK firms win in each of our top 80 export markets. The menus will enable business links and the OTS to provide export information assistance tailored to the needs of individual companies. It is part of the new "winning through exporting" family of business support. I have placed copies of this material in the Library of the both Houses. It is available on the Internet and will shortly be available on CD-ROM.