§ 24. Mr. Bottomleyasked the President of the Board of Trade to make a statement on the recent meeting of the Economic Commission for Europe.
§ 22. Mr. Hamiltonasked the President of the Board of Trade what offers have been made by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in the trade talks now going on in Geneva; and what has been the response of Her Majesty's Government to those offers.
§ Mr. MackesonThe recent trade talks in Geneva under the auspices of the Economic Commission for Europe between experts from Western and Eastern European countries were purely exploratory. No specific offers were made to the United Kingdom by the Soviet Government, but there was an amicable and useful exchange of information between the United Kingdom and the delegations of the U.S.S.R. and other Eastern European countries on the possibilities of expanding trade. As Her Majesty's Government have already made clear, they would welcome an increase in trade in goods not subject to our stategic export controls and they will certainly be prepared to follow up any proposals made as a result of the Geneva discussions.
§ Mr. BottomleyIn view of the brighter prospects of peace and trade, why did no Member of Her Majesty's Government dealing with trade matters attend the meeting?
§ Mr. MackesonIt was a meeting of experts and officials and not of Members of Governments.
§ Mr. BottomleyIt is unnecessary for me to add to that admission by the hon. Gentleman. Is it not a fact that on this occasion the Russians, rather than indulging in political propaganda, were prepared to talk trade and that, for that reason, we ought to have had a Minister there? May I have an assurance that he and the President of the Board of Trade will do all that is possible to increase trade between our two countries?
§ Mr. MackesonYes, Sir. I can certainly give the right hon. Gentleman that assurance. The conversations took place in a most amicable and constructive atmosphere.