Exports (Promotion)

Oral Answers to Questions — National Finance – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 3 November 1955.

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Photo of Major Henry Spence Major Henry Spence , Aberdeenshire West 12:00, 3 November 1955

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider employing a system of direct incentives in order to stimulate export figures.

Photo of Sir Edward Boyle Sir Edward Boyle , Birmingham Handsworth

No, Sir. While pursuing a policy of promoting exports by all legitimate means, Her Majesty's Government have consistently taken a stand against direct incentive schemes to stimulate exports and have sought the cooperation of other Governments in that policy.

Photo of Major Henry Spence Major Henry Spence , Aberdeenshire West

Will my right hon. Friend give very careful consideration to this matter in future, having regard to the paramount need for exports and the fact that the negative method of freezing the home market against goods may not be sufficient?

Photo of Sir Edward Boyle Sir Edward Boyle , Birmingham Handsworth

I must adhere quite firmly to the terms of my original Answer. In O.E.E.C. and G.A.T.T. Her Majesty's Government, in common with other member countries, have assumed obligations limiting and looking to the eventual abolition of all artificial export incentives and subsidies.