With permission, Mr. Speaker, I will now answer Question No. 64.

Following on the decision to dissolve the Western Hemisphere Export Council at the end of March, the Government, in consultation with the principal national bodies concerned, have reviewed the present arrangements for fostering collectively the further expansion of the British export trade. As a result, it has been decided to establish a new organisation comprising a number of different components.

At the centre there will be a body to be known as the British National Export Council. Its tasks will be to initiate, guide and inspire export efforts in all markets; to advise upon the formation of bodies to foster British exports in particular areas of the world; to provide a means of co-ordination between such bodies and of the country's export effort generally; and to provide the necessary finance and services for this purpose.

A number of bodies operating in particular areas of the world will be linked with the Council. Two of these, the Export Council for Europe and the Council for Middle East Trade, are already in existence and will continue to operate on their present basis. I am also in touch with the Sino-British Trade Council. Three new bodies will be formed to continue and develop the work formerly carried out in Canada, the United States and Latin America by the Western Hemisphere Export Council. Other new bodies will be formed as the need arises. The chairmen of these five bodies will be members of the British National Export Council.

The sponsors of the British National Export Council will be the Federation of British Industries, National Association of British Manufacturers, Association of British Chambers of Commerce, the Trades Union Congress and the City Financial Advisory Panel on Exports. I am glad to announce that Sir William McFadzean, who has served with such distinction and success as Chairman of the Export Council for Europe, has accepted my invitation to become chairman of the new Council and to undertake its formation, in consultation with the sponsoring bodies and the Board of Trade.

I am also glad to announce that the following have accepted my invitation to form the three new bodies, work on which will begin immediately:

• Canada, Mr. Peter Allen, a Deputy Chairman of I.C.I.
• U.S.A., Viscount Watkinson of Woking, the Group Managing Director of Schweppes.
• Latin America, Sir Berkeley Gage, formerly H.M. Ambassador in Peru.

Captain A. R. Glen, C.B.E., R.N.R., who has been a member of the Export Council for Europe from the beginning and a Deputy Chairman since September, 1962, has accepted my invitation to succeed Sir William McFadzean as Chairman of the Council for Europe from 1st November, 1964.

I am glad that his services will continue to be available to Her Majesty's Government as Chairman of the new Council and I am confident that the Council and the linked bodies will effectively stimulate and co-ordinate the numerous activities in the field of export promotion.