HC Deb 17 June 1953 vol 516 c962
27. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the unsatisfactory state of trading relations with Spain, he will re-impose the ban on the export of arms to Spain.

Mr. Nutting

No, Sir.

Mr. Jeger

Is not the Joint Undersecretary aware of the unsatisfactory state of trading relations at the present time and that the Spanish Government are exercising gross discrimination against British goods entering Spain?

Mr. Nutting

As the hon. Member knows, discussions are proceeding in London at present with the Spanish trade delegation. As I understand it, the difficulty in our trade relations with Spain is that they are not buying enough from us. It is precisely because of that that we are trying to sell them more. I should have thought that that was the remedy for the situation and not to sell less.

Mr. Jeger

It is the wrong type of goods that we are trying to sell to them.

Mr. Nabarro

The party opposite sold them.