With the emergence of India as a global economy, Charles Walker calls for our SMEs to seize the opportunities offered as a result of the UK's historial links with that country.

Mr. Charles Walker (Broxbourne) (Con): Does my hon. Friend agree that, given this country's historical links with India, the emergence of India as a global economy offers our SMEs huge opportunities to increase their presence in the European and global marketplaces?

Mr. Binley: I am delighted that my hon. Friend has made that point. I have the privilege to be a member of what used to be called the Trade and Industry Committee. It is now the Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Committee, affectionately known as DBERR. The Committee has looked into the opportunities in India, and argued strongly for British business to get out there and share them, because India has a very pro-British culture that welcomes British involvement. I know that Lord Bilimoria echoes those thoughts and has also made those points to the Government. I am delighted to support them.

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