HC Deb 11 November 1997 vol 300 cc460-1W
Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the decision was taken to end the Home Office Exports Initiative; and when it will be terminated. [14960]

Mr. Michael

The decision to end the Home Office Exports Initiative was taken in July. It was terminated at the end of October.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of companies which will be affected by the decision to terminate the Home Office Exports Initiative. [14961]

Mr. Michael

During the period of the Exports Initiative, it is estimated that the Home Office Exports Promoter had dealings with some 80 companies, including those who participated in trade events sponsored by the Initiative. These companies, together with others in the policing and security sector, will continue to have access to the full range of overseas trade services of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the savings which will be made by abolishing the Home Office Exports Initiative. [14963]

Mr. Michael

The initiative had an annual budget of £100,000; approximately £40,000 of this will be saved in the current financial year.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has made for a scheme to replace the Home Office Exports Initiative. [14962]

Mr. Michael

The trade associations and companies in the policing and security sector will continue to have access to the full range of overseas trade services of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is considering what specific additional support for exporting may be provided for this sector.

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