HC Deb 08 March 1956 vol 549 cc2302-4
37. Mr. J. Harrison

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the Australian Government concerning the adverse effect of Her Majesty's Government's trade policy upon Anglo-Australian trade; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this effect.

47. Mr. Bottomley

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now make a further statement on trade with Australia.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I would not wish to add anything to the reply which I gave to the right hon. Gentleman on 2nd February.

Mr. Harrison

As the reply is not within my recollection, may I ask the Minister whether he is aware that it was the Minister of Trade in the Hosue of Representatives who made these allegations that we were aggravating Australian trade difficulties? Would it not be advisable for the right hon. Gentleman to 'consider doing something to remedy this most damaging statement?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The Minister did complain of a number of things. He complained of State trading under the Socialist Administration and its effect on Australia, the level of agricultural subsidies over here and one or two other matter. I really do not think that any very useful purpose would be served if I answered all the questions or tried to reply to the comments which he then made.

Mr. Bottomley

Could the right hon. Gentleman add to the reply which he gave on an earlier occasion? Has he made any reply to the comments of the Australian Minister? Is he aware that that it is absolutely due to the Government's policy of restriction of United Kingdom trade which has led to the Australians, in order to keep up their standard of living, borrowing dollars from the International Bank, which adds to the adverse sterling balance of payments?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am aware that there is virtual free trade for all Australian products coming into the British market. On the individual point which the right hon. Gentleman made on the earlier Question, I have seen that the facts in it are drawn to the attention of the Australian authorities.

Mr. Stokes

Will the President of the Board of Trade at least agree that it is impossible for a developing country like Australia both to develop at the rate which is required of it in the international interest, and to have what is erroneously called a favourable balance of trade?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I do not want to answer for the economic problems of the Australian Government on their balance of payments at the present time.

Mr. B. Harrison

Would my right hon. Friend consider inviting the Australian Minister of Trade over here at the time of the Prime Ministers' Conference to discuss mutual problems of trade between the two countries?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The Australian Minister of Trade is always welcome in this country on that or on any other occasion.

Mr. H. Wilson

Has not the President of the Board of Trade heard that it has been announced in Canberra that the Minister of Trade is coming here with Mr. Menzies?