§ 19. Mr. Rankinasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he intends taking to increase our trade with Latin America.
§ Sir D. EcclesEx ports to Latin America increased substantially last year as compared with 1954 and 1955. There are growing opportunities for trade with Latin America and the Government's general services to exporters are available for all who may be interested to develop business in these markets.
§ Mr. RankinWhile the export trade may have increased last year, is not the Minister aware that since 1952 there has 1150 been a violent jump in the disbalance of trade, rising from £27 million to a steady £100 million against us? Does he not regard that as a very serious matter? What steps is he thinking of taking to deal with it?
§ Sir D. EcclesI should have to look at the situation country by country. Some of the countries use the sterling that they earn here for payment for oil and other goods which come from the Commonwealth area.