HC Deb 24 February 1959 vol 600 c928
18. Mr. Rankin

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the value of the goods bought in 1958 by East Germany, through London, but which did not touch any British port.

Mr. Amory

I regret that the value of this merchanting trade in 1958 is not known.

Mr. Rankin

The Chancellor agrees, I take it, that this trade does exist? Would he agree that it is trade that ought to be discouraged, and, as far as possible, should be discouraged by him, in view of the fact that it makes no impact on employment in this country, particularly in view of the great need to get more jobs for unemployed people?

Mr. Amory

No. I do not think I can agree with the hon. Gentleman in the view which he has expressed, which appears to me to be a rather narrow view regarding trade.