HC Deb 11 February 1954 vol 523 cc1340-1
13. Mr. Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now arrange for the Minister of State, Board of Trade, to tour the countries of Eastern Europe to explore the possibilities of increasing our trade with that area.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I do not think that such a visit would, at present, really serve the purpose that the hon. Member suggests.

Mr. Swingler

As Ministers have now expressed themselves on several occasions as being in favour of promoting more East-West trade and trying to increase our exports, why should the Minister of State, Board of Trade, go to South America and not to these other markets, which could be very important to some of our industries?

Mr. Thorneycroft

While not ruling out the possibility, I just say that at present I do not think that it would be particularly advantageous.

Mr. Jay

As there are evidently big changes in economic policy going on in Eastern Europe, is not this an opportune moment to extend peaceful trade?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The question the right hon. Gentleman raises is on a much wider issue. We are fostering, as far as possible, visits of individual businessmen to those countries, with, I think, some success.