HC Deb 16 April 1953 vol 514 cc346-7
2. Mr. Osborne

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the Turkish boycott on British imports; which trades will be most affected; and why the recent Turkish Parliamentary Delegation to the United Kingdom failed to secure increased imports from that country.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The Turkish Minister of Commerce recently suggested that Turkey would in future give preference over imports from the United Kingdom to imports from countries with which Turkey's balance of trade was less unfavourable. I should regard any such action as inconsistent with Turkey's obligations as a member of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation, and I am keeping a close watch on what is happening.

The recent unofficial Turkish Trade Mission to this country made many contacts with private buyers as well as Government Departments; and I cannot therefore make any comprehensive statement about what sales were made during or as a result of the Mission's visit. The Ministry of Food had discussions, however, with the Mission on various commodities, and has bought a further quantity of Turkish sultanas.

I would emphasise again that sales of Turkish goods to this country must, naturally, depend largely on commercial considerations, particularly on quality and price.

Mr. Osborne

In view of the fact that Turkey imports many millions of pounds' worth of goods from this country more than we buy from her, and since Turkey is a very important factor in our defences in that part of the world, is there nothing that the Government can do to encourage imports of Turkish commodities so as to make the trade between the two countries more reasonable?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Within the sphere of Government action, certain purchases have just been made by the Ministry of Food. Other purchases are a matter for private traders to make up their minds on ordinary commercial considerations.

Mr. Tilney

Would my right hon. Friend agree that Turkey has decided to remain a raw materials and agricultural producing country, and that, therefore, its economy is complementary to that of this country? Would he do everything in his power to foster trade between this stalwart member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the United Kingdom?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Certainly. I am as anxious as anyone to see trade between the two countries expanding. The possibility of Turkey expanding her exports to this country must, I think, depend to a large extent on the quality and price of her goods.

Mr. Bottomley

In supporting the sentiments expressed about trade with Turkey, may I ask the President whether he is aware that the members of the recent Mission said that Turkey had for sale goods which, both in quality and price, were equal to any others that could be purchased? Why have not the Government done something to meet Turkey and buy more from that country?

Mr. Thorneycroft

If Turkey has such goods for sale, I have no doubt that they will be bought.