HC Deb 14 April 1959 vol 603 c797
24. Miss Pike

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what proportionate extent United Kingdom trade with Poland has risen since 1951.

Sir D. Eccles

Imports have increased by 26 per cent. and total exports—including re-exports—by 56 per cent.

Miss Pike

I welcome that increase in trade, but does not the Minister agree that there could be a further considerable increase in the sale of capital goods to that market? Poland is anxious to get increasing quantities not only of capital goods but of consumer goods. Does my right hon. Friend also agree that, although we must try to send as much as possible to Poland, we must be careful not to finance any increased trade by taking an undue quantity of bacon from Poland, thereby upsetting the position of our other suppliers?

Sir D. Eccles

My hon. Friend cannot have it both ways.