§ 3. Mr. E. Johnsonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the increased rate of immigration into Israel, he will appoint a trade mission to visit that country to study the possibility of expanding the volume of trade between Israel and the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganTrade between Israel and this country has increased substantially in recent years. My right hon. Friend does not feel that a trade mission is called for at the present time.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs my hon. Friend aware that over the last few months there has been a very marked increase in the population of Israel, which will lead to a great demand for consumer goods? Will he not consider the possibility of some new form of trade agreement to ease currency difficulties which might arise and so help our exports, especially such things as textiles from Lancashire?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganI think that what Anglo-Israeli trade at present needs is an expansion of Israeli exports either to this country or to other countries with convertible currency in order to earn more to pay for imports from this country.