§ 20. Mr. Lewisasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he took to have an observer at the recent Leipzig Fair and whether he will make a statement on the report he has received from this official.
§ Sir D. EcclesI would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave him on 31st January.
§ Mr. LewisIs the President aware that that Answer cannot apply to this Question, because that was before the Fair was held? I am now asking the Minister what steps he took to have someone there. Can he tell us whether anyone did go, whether they gave him any report, and whether or not eighty-eight firms, including such reputable names as Rolls-Royce, went with his knowledge, consent and backing? Can we have a further statement?
§ Sir D. EcclesOfficials went from the British staffs in Germany, because we have no relations with Eastern Germany. Therefore, it had to be an unofficial observer. The report, when it comes, will be confidential.
Mr. H. WilsonIs not it time the right hon. Gentleman shook up his ideas on this question? While we are aware that 535 we have no diplomatic relations with Eastern Germany, is not it a fact that the Leipzig Fair is attended by sellers and buyers from all over the world? Are not we losing export trade by the rather slack attitude which the Government take about East German relations?
§ Sir D. EcclesI have no reason to think that we did not cover the Fair properly.
§ Mr. LewisIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, and the fact that there is obviously a need for the President to know that the West Germans are doing an increasing trade with Eastern Germany, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.