§ 21. Mr. Stonehouseasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the results of his recent visit to Spain.
§ Sir D. EcclesWe are Spain's best customer, and the Spaniards are only prevented from buying more British goods by their shortage of foreign exchange. I discussed the possibilities of increasing trade in both directions. In particular, I stressed the advantages for Spain in moving closer to the multilateral system of European trade, and I believe that the Spanish Government appreciated the argument.
§ Mr. StonehouseMay I ask the Minister two questions arising out of that reply? First, to what extent is it proposed to extend credits to Spain? Secondly, in his discussions with General Franco, did the Minister discuss defence questions, and why did he imply on Madrid Radio that Spain was part of the free world?
§ Sir D. EcclesCredit did not come into the discussions. There is no question of any special credit. The Export Credits Guarantee Department insurance cover has been available for Spain and will continue to be available in the same terms. I did not discuss defence. On the last question, Spain certainly is not part of the Communist world and, therefore, is part of the free world.
§ Sir D. EcclesI should be very pleased to send the right hon. Gentleman a copy if he wants weekend reading.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsAre we to take it that the President's conception of freedom is the régime that exists in Spain?
§ Sir D. EcclesI did not go there for a political purpose. I went there to discuss trade.