§ 8. Mr. Swinglerasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now initiate talks with trade representatives of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the basis of the suggestions for increasing Anglo-Soviet trade in Marshal Bulganin's letter to the Prime Minister of 20th April.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe Prime Minister in his recent letter to Marshal Bulganin suggested several ways in which the Soviet Government could increase Anglo-Soviet trade. The attention of the Soviet trade delegation is being drawn to the fact that an early and favourable reply to this part of the Prime Minister's letter would be of particular interest to the Board of Trade and British industry in general.
§ Mr. SwinglerWould not a still better method be to enter into negotiations with trade representatives? Did not the Prime Minister say that he favoured an increase of Anglo-Soviet trade and then raise a series of objections to the Soviet trading system? Would not all these matters be much better discussed in negotiations for a trade agreement?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithNo, Sir. I do not consider that a trade agreement is a necessary prerequisite for the development of Anglo-Soviet trade. The Prime Minister's letter made clear certain respects in which it is open to the Soviet Union to take steps to increase the volume of this trade, and in these matters a trade agreement is not necessary.