Export Industries (Information)

Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 6 Tachwedd 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Joseph Sparks Mr Joseph Sparks , Acton 12:00, 6 Tachwedd 1947

asked the President of the Board of Trade what advice he is giving to industries, which will now change over to production for export, as to the kinds and types of goods and commodities which will find a ready market abroad.

Photo of Mr Harold Wilson Mr Harold Wilson , Ormskirk

There is no general advice which can be given to industries or firms on the type of goods which will sell abroad. This must be a matter of individual choice, and is partly determined by the firm's manufacturing capacity. But firms can be helped in making their choice by the supply of information about the general classes of goods in demand in each overseas country, the existence of barriers to sale such as import restrictions and the names of potential purchasers. Much of this information is published by my Department in the "Board of Trade Journal" and otherwise, but the best guidance can be given in interviews with representatives of individual firms, who should approach the regional export officers of my Department in the first instance.

Photo of Sir Walter Fletcher Sir Walter Fletcher , Bury

Is the Minister satisfied that he gets any changes in the areas in which goods can be sold sufficiently rapidly?

Photo of Mr Harold Wilson Mr Harold Wilson , Ormskirk

Yes, Sir. "I think that in general we get very quick information, but we are going into the whole question of the information we get from overseas and its propagation among industrialists in this country.

Photo of Major Donald Bruce Major Donald Bruce , Portsmouth North

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the information which his Department is making available is, in fact, being used to its fullest possible extent?

Photo of Mr Harold Wilson Mr Harold Wilson , Ormskirk

I would like to see much more use made of the facilities we provide for exporters, both in London and in the Provinces.

Photo of Mr Joseph Sparks Mr Joseph Sparks , Acton

Is the Minister aware that there have been certain complaints that this information cannot be got from his Department and that people have been referred to private sources of information?

Photo of Mr Harold Wilson Mr Harold Wilson , Ormskirk

I would like to have details of any such complaint.