§ 6. Mr. C. Osborneasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the potential damage to United Kingdom export trade in scientific instruments through failure to keep up with developments in importing countries; if he will, accordingly, ask the Scientific Instrument Manufacturers of Great Britain to make a report to him on their recent exhibition in Moscow, and especially for their expert opinion as to how scientific instrument manufacturing in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics compares with that of Great Britain; if he will publish their report; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudlingNo, Sir; United Kingdom exports of scientific instruments have risen steadily in recent years. The Moscow Exhibition was a great success and the Russians showed interest in buying many types of British equipment. As I said in answer to my hon. Friend on 7th July, the manufacturers who exhibited in Moscow will be discussing their experiences with officials.
§ Mr. OsborneIs not my right hon. Friend aware that both The Times and the Daily Telegraph reported that our exhibitors in Moscow were absolutely "flabbergasted" at the quality of the Russian products, which made it, of course, awkward for them to sell what we are producing? Cannot he get some report from them so that both workers and managements may be shown that they must pull up their socks in order to catch up with the Russians?
§ Mr. MaudlingI cannot accept my hon. Friend's view in this matter. I agree that Russian progress in this field is very considerable, but our people are doing pretty well too. Between 90 and 95 per cent. of the equipment shown in the exhibition was sold.