HC Deb 29 July 1952 vol 504 cc1256-7
32. Mr. Russell

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the reduction in imports into Pakistan from the United Kingdom in the year ended 31st March, 1952, compared with the previous year, especially in textiles, and of the greatly increased imports from Japan; and what steps he is taking to increase British exports to Pakistan.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I understand that United Kingdom exports of textiles to Pakistan decreased and exports from Japan to Pakistan increased during the year ended 31st March, 1952, compared with the previous year. But I would remind my hon. Friend that our exporters to Pakistan enjoy preferences over a wide range of goods including textiles, that none of the measures which Pakistan has taken to regulate its imports are at all discriminatory, and that the share our exporters take of the market depends on the price, the quality and the availability of British goods.

The fact that total United Kingdom exports to Pakistan during the year ended 31st March, 1952, increased by over £5 million or 12 per cent. compared with the previous year shows, I think, that our Trade Commissioners in Pakistan are doing all they can to help British exporters expand their trade with that country.

Mr. Russell

Are any of the reductions due to the trade agreement which was negotiated with Pakistan last year involving reductions in preferences which were forced upon us by the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade?

Mr. Thorneycroft

It would be very difficult to relate particular reductions to particular measures of that kind.