HC Deb 12 May 1959 vol 605 c1037
39. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will expand the trade mission to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics by the inclusion of representatives of the Scottish Council (Development and Industry).

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. John Rodgers)

No, Sir. The mission is a small one and members have not been selected on geographical grounds. The interests of Scotland have, however, been taken fully into account in the preparation of instructions for the mission.

Mr. Thomson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have no objection to geographical areas in the United Kingdom benefiting in the way suggested, but why should he not take advantage of the expert services of the Scottish Council, which secures orders for Scotland from all over the world, in view of the traditional link between Scotland and the Baltic countries and the high level of unemployment in Scotland?

Mr. Rodgers

Since the dispatch of the mission was made known, my right hon. Friend has been in touch with representatives of the Scottish Council and we have no reason to believe that the points to which the Council attached importance were not included in the briefs of members of the mission. Furthermore, we have had no request for inclusion from members of the Scottish Council.

Mr. Woodburn

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the great experience of the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society in making barter arrangements with the Russians in connection with herring and other goods? Would he draw on that experience in cases where normal monetary exchanges are not possible?

Mr. Rodgers

All these things will be borne in mind by my right hon. Friend, who should be in Moscow today.