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TT is an obvious truth that no manufacturer of goods requiring after1 sales service should attempt to sell overseas before he has established an adequate service organization. Small concerns may be discouraged from exporting for this reason.: There is, however, a wealth of assistance available to them, as well a's to big manufacturers, from the Board of Trade. It should enable. them to set up .salesand service facilities overseas with the minimum of risk and expense. The various export departments of the Board of Trade are ableto advise on market conditions, selling and distribution methods, competition, regulations on tariffs and other matters, and to find responsible agents for British exporters. Indeed, there is no aspect of export trade on which they are not ready to help. Unfortunately, insufficient use is being made of their services, and Britain's effort overseas is suffering accordingly.
Although the Prime Minister has described export as "fun," it is an extremely serious matter. The manufacturer who enters the business half-heartedly and fails to honour his obligations damages the reputation of his trade in particular and his country in general. The Government might well consider some aid other than advice to the exporter. Tax relief on income earned from overseas trade would be the biggest encouragement that could be offered to British exporters. Patriotism responds to reward.