HC Deb 29 June 1954 vol 529 cc1092-3
28. Mr. de Freitas

asked the President of the Board of Trade what opportunities there are for expanding our exports to Canada of heavy engineering products.

Mr. Amory

The capital development schemes projected or already being undertaken in Canada provide many and varied opportunities for our heavy engineering products and I am confident that British industry will do all it can to win an increasing share of this valuable trade.

Mr. de Freitas

Is the Minister aware that, although our exports of motor cars compared with last year have increased to sterling countries and to many European countries, such as Sweden, they have drastically declined in respect of Canada? Can he say what the President of the Board of Trade did about that when he was in Canada?

Mr. Amory

My right hon. Friend had many interesting and valuable discussions while he was there, and, in all the circumstances, I think that our exports to dollar markets during the past 12 months have held up not too badly; but as regards the future, I believe that there are very great opportunities, and that there is much evidence that many of our exporters are beginning to get well-established in that very important market.

Commander Donaldson

Is the Minister aware of the appreciation of the Canadian people from coast to coast resulting from the recent visit of the President of the Board of Trade, and can he tell the House if the President will make a comprehensive statement on the result of his travels in the near future?

Mr. Amory

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that my right hon. Friend found his visit of the very greatest value and interest.

Mr. Bottomley

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of that supplementary question? Is it the intention of the President of the Board of Trade to make a statement to the House?

Mr. Amory

I am not sure. I should rather doubt whether my right hon. Friend would make a comprehensive statement to the House.

Hon. Members

Why not?

Mr. Amory

I shall be very glad to consult my right hon. Friend on the point. I know that he will be very anxious to impart to the House all specific information on points of interest to hon. Members.

29. Mr. de Freitas

asked the President of the Board of Trade what opportunities there are for expanding our exports to Canada of pedigree livestock.

Mr. Amory

There is a potential market in Canada for pedigree livestock from this country, especially for bulls, cows and heifers; but prices there are very competitive, and the high freight costs and the expense and delay necessitated by quarantine regulations are a considerable handicap to our exporters.