§ 12. Dr. Broughtonasked the President of the Board of Trade what further steps are to be taken, as a result of conversations held recently with Prime Ministers of nations of the British Commonwealth, to develop bi-lateral trade between the United Kingdom and Australia.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI do not think I can do better than refer the hon. Member to what was said about trade restrictions in the communiqué issued after the Prime Ministers' meeting, which was published in the OFFICIAL REPORT on 10th June.
§ Dr. BroughtonAs Australia is rich in certain raw materials, of which wool is an example, and as we wish to increase the volume of our exports of manufactured goods such as woollen cloth, is not this a matter which the Government should keep constantly in mind? Could we have an assurance from the President of the Board of Trade that the Government will do all they can to encourage the development of trade between the two countries?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI can assure the hon. Gentleman that we shall do all we can to encourage trade in the sterling area. Of course, trade is not conducted with Australia on a bi-lateral basis, and I certainly hope it never will be.
Mr. J. T. PriceCan the right hon. Gentleman give any indication to the House of the progress, if any, that has been made in the freeing of the frustrated textile exports to Australia, dating back to the depression of last year?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe hon. Member will appreciate that some easement was 2078 made by Australia in the import quota position, but beyond that I do not think I can say more except refer the hon. Gentleman to the communiqué which was issued after the last Prime Minister's Conference.