HC Deb 29 January 1953 vol 510 cc1179-80
35. Mr. Philips Price

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the large credit balance which this country has in trade with Turkey, and, in view of the fact that we are no longer in debt with the European Payments Union, steps will be taken now to increase our purchases of products which Turkey has in some quantities to export.

The Secretary for Overseas Trade (Mr. H. R. Mackeson)

I am glad to have this opportunity to stress the importance which Her Majesty's Government attach to the progressive development of trade between this country and Turkey.

Certain Turkish exports, such as cereals and sultanas, are subject to centralised purchase in this country, mainly by the Ministry of Food. Practically all other Turkish exports to this country may be imported without restriction; thus wool, dried figs and many of the minerals and non-ferrous metals may be imported from Turkey into this country under open general licence, while imports of tobacco from Turkey are licensed freely. The future development of Turkish sales to this country must, therefore, depend largely on the usual commercial factors of quality and price.

I ought to add that while our current position in the European Payments Union has improved in recent months, we are still heavily in debt to the Union.

Mr. Price

In cases where Government Departments are involved in the purchase of Turkish products will the Minister do everything possible to increase the purchases in order to maintain our valuable export trade?

Mr. Mackeson

Yes, Sir; but, as I say, it is a matter of price. We have pointed this out to the Turks. They are sending an unofficial delegation over, and we shall do our best to help.

Mr. Stokes

As the hon. Gentleman has mentioned tobacco, will he assure the House that the Government are taking serious steps to stimulate the import of Turkish tobacco and diminish the import of tobacco from across the Atlantic?

Mr. Mackeson

That is a matter for private purchasers and the public taste.

Mr. Brooman-White

Is my hon. Friend aware that under the impact of more modern agricultural methods, the output of food and raw materials from Turkey is expanding rapidly and that the commercial representatives of other countries, particularly Germany, are very active? In the interests of our export trade and our imports, will my hon. Friend ensure that in any future negotiations long-term as well as short-term considerations are given the fullest possible weight?

Mr. Mackeson

Yes, Sir, but we must bear in mind that private individuals and Government buyers must buy at world prices.

Mr. Bottomley

Can the Minister say whether we are purchasing any coarse grains from Turkey this year?

Mr. Mackeson

I would not like to answer that. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put that question to the Minister of Food.