HC Deb 14 April 1959 vol 603 c791
16. Mr. Osborne

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will arrange for a number of practical businessmen who are directly interested in East-West trade to visit Moscow as part of the trade mission he proposes to send; and if he will make a statement on the arrangements so far made.

Sir D. Eccles

I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement about the composition of the mission.

Mr. Osborne

I am much obliged for my right hon. Friend's promise. We hope that when the mission goes it will create a favourable atmosphere between the two parties. If the businessmen are on the spot when the atmovhere is good, trade may result, and that is what we want.

Sir D. Eccles

I shall bear that point in mind.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

When the right hon. Gentleman is considering the composition of the mission, will he give special attention to the necessity for Scottish businessmen being on it, because of the great need for extra trade in order to decrease Scottish unemployment?

Sir D. Eccles

I shall keep all those matters in mind.