HC Deb 16 June 1959 vol 607 cc228-9
22. Mr. Forman

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in setting up a British Trade Centre in Moscow.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

In the course of my right hon. Friend's recent talks in Moscow with the Soviet Minister of Foreign Trade he suggested that a British Trade Centre should be established in Moscow to facilitate contacts between British business men and the Soviet trading organisations. Although the Soviet Government felt unable to accept this suggestion, I am glad of this opportunity to welcome their support for the alternative proposal of strengthening the commercial staff of the Embassy to which a Commercial Counsellor will be appointed with such other staff as may be required.

Mr. Forman

While thanking the Minister for his answer, in view of the fact that a trade centre is so important to the industrialists of this country, may I ask whether he will press on with setting up a permanent trade centre?

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

Of course, that matter does not rest with us, but we are glad to have the Soviet Government's support in the strengthening for which we have asked.