Export Council (Market Research Projects)

Oral Answers to Questions — Board of Trade – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 15 April 1965.

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Photo of Mr Edmund Dell Mr Edmund Dell , Birkenhead 12:00, 15 April 1965

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many proposals for market research projects have been submitted to the British National Export Council by trade associations or chambers of commerce; and how many of these proposals have been approved for the purpose of Government grant.

Photo of Mr Douglas Jay Mr Douglas Jay , Battersea North

Six, of which one has so far been approved. The others are being examined.

Photo of Mr Edmund Dell Mr Edmund Dell , Birkenhead

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, although these projects may give useful background information, they are not likely to be very useful to specific companies? Will the Government consider ways of giving help to research projects directly useful to the exports of specific companies?

Photo of Mr Douglas Jay Mr Douglas Jay , Battersea North

Yes, we are examining that, but if we move from general market research projects to schemes affecting particular companies we are more likely to get into the arena of export subsidies, and we are very anxious in this matter to keep to our international obligations.