HC Deb 07 April 1960 vol 621 cc553-4
29. Mr. Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade the percentage increases in British exports to, and imports from, Poland in each of the last three years; to what extent the Polish orders for capital goods in the United Kingdom are increasing; and what steps he is taking to expand this trade further.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. F. J. Erroll)

In 1957, United Kingdom exports to Poland decreased by 2 per cent. as compared with the previous year. In 1958 and 1959, they increased correspondingly by 14 per cent. and 48 per cent. The equivalent figures for United Kingdom imports from Poland are a decrease of 21 per cent., an increase of 10 per cent. and an increase of 26 per cent. respectively. No statistics are available of orders placed in the United Kingdom for capital goods for export. Negotiations on trade with Poland in 1960 and thereafter are due to be resumed shortly and the possibility of expanding this trade further will then be explored.

Mr. Swingler

Is the Minister aware of the great possibilities of expanding this trade? Is he aware that the Poles have said that they are anxious and willing to place really big orders for industrial equipment in Britain, but that this is made difficult for them by the fact that Her Majesty's Government have cut the quotas for the importation of Polish goods into this country this year? Is the hon. Gentleman willing to reconsider the matter, in view of the importance of the orders which the Poles could place here?

Mr. Erroll

We fully recognise the importance of obtaining these orders, and the points which the hon. Member has put are fully in the minds of my right hon. Friends.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Will the Minister of State bear in mind that, because of the desperate need of the Polish Government for foreign currency, they are entering into bilateral and other arrangements for the export of their coal to Europe at prices far below the cost of production, which is doing great harm to our prospects of increasing our export trade in Europe?

Mr. Erroll

We are aware of the arrangements which the Polish Government are making for the export of their coal.