HC Deb 19 July 1960 vol 627 cc238-9
33. Mr. Rankin

asked the President of the Board of Trade in view of the latest trade returns, what further steps he proposes taking to stimulate British exports.

Mr. Maudling

The Board of Trade is constantly seeking to extend the services it provides for exporters and to bring to the attention of all businessmen the need for exports and the range of opportunities open in overseas markets.

Mr. Rankin

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Prime Minister could tell us far more yesterday when he was speaking about this problem? The Prime Minister is evidently worried about its gravity. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his right hon. Friend said yesterday to 400 businessmen that Britain can sell any quantity of goods in any number of markets? There is no restriction. Does that mean that the President of the Board of Trade will now approve the trade agreement which has just been made by the Institute of Directors with Russian manufacturers covering the next 20 years and there will be no restriction on the type of goods that we export?

Mr. Maudling

I am well aware what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said, because I was at the meeting. A trade agreement between the Institute of Directors and the Russian Government seems a rather unusual form of agreement and I should like to see details before commenting on it.

Lady Tweedsmuir

As it is widely thought that there are many small firms in Scotland which might enter the export markets for the first time, might I ask my right hon. Friend whether his own Department sponsors meetings in various localities or encourages chambers of commerce in these areas to have meetings of the smaller firms to put before them the opportunites that are available?

Mr. Maudling

Yes, indeed. We are certainly doing that and I should be grateful for the assistance of all hon. Members in pushing this campaign forward.

Mr. Rankin

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the agreement made by the delegation from the Institute of Directors is now in his hands awaiting his approval?

Mr. Maudling

No, Sir. I am afraid that I am not aware of that.

Mr. Rankin

The right hon. Gentleman had better wake up.