HC Deb 14 April 1959 vol 603 cc785-6
6. Mr. F. M. Bennett

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps the Government have taken in the last seven years to stimulate trade between the United Kingdom and Canada; and what success their efforts have achieved.

Sir D. Eccles

In the last seven years our exports to Canada have increased by nearly a half. The Government have given every support to private initiative in this market and to the Dollar Exports Council and will continue to do so.

Mr Bennett

While the results so fair as they are known are encouraging in that they show an increase in the overall figures and a decrease in the export gap between us, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he agrees that it is true that much more remains to be done by the Canadians before a rather fairer balance is achieved?

Sir D. Eccles

We welcome any help the Canadian Government can give. As a matter of fact, last year's balance was better than we have had before, and I hope that the improvement will continue.

9. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of trade between Scotland and Canada during each of the last ten years, indicating the products dealt in, and the steps he is taking to develop and increase this trade.

Sir D. Eccles

The list of products, starting of course, with whisky, which Scotland sells to Canada, is too long for a Parliamentary Answer. I have no figures for Scottish exports as distinct from United Kingdom exports. Scottish exporters derive advantage from the export services of the Government.

Mr Hughes

Will the right hon. Gentleman be so kind as to send me a list, if it is too long to state now? Does he realise that I have asked this Question because representative Canadians, many of them Scots or of Scots descent, have publicly expressed their anxiety to increase trade with Scotland and because I want to know what reciprocal action he is taking to encourage them?

Sir D. Eccles

It is very good news that Canadian Scots want to buy Scottish goods. I will do my best to send the hon. and learned Gentleman a list.