HC Deb 25 April 1961 vol 639 c215
16. Mr. C. Osborne

asked the President of the Board of Trade what help he has given to the four British trade missions now fact-finding in South-East Asia, under the leadership of Sir Edward Thompson; who will represent him at the conference to be held in Singapore; if he will be seeing the delegation on their return; if bigger long-term credits will be available; what restrictions prevent low-priced goods from South-East Asia being imported into the United Kingdom; what requests he has received from the governments of South-East Asian countries for action to stabilise raw material prices; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Erroll

As the Question asked by my hon. Friend raises a number of points which cannot be answered briefly I will, with permission, circulate the Answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Osborne

When this team makes its report on conditions in South-East Asia and makes recommendations about the steps which could be taken to increase our exports to that area, will my right hon. Friend promise that his Department will then give serious consideration?

Mr. Erroll

I assure my hon. Friend that we will very closely study the recommendations. The report is to be made to British industry and commerce and also to Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Osborne

Will it be published?

Following is the information: The British Trade Delegation, which is working through four simultaneous missions to Indonesia. Thailand and Burma, Malaya and Singapore and the Philippines and British Borneo, was formed by the Federation of British Industries at my invitation and is being jointly sponsored by the F.B.I. and the Board of Trade. The Government has assisted in the planning, organisation and briefing of these Missions and the services of H.M. Representatives abroad, who have also assisted in this, are fully available to the Missions during their tours. I have also agreed with the F.B.I. to contribute to the expenses of the Missions. H.M. Government will be represented at the final conference to be held in Singapore by Lord Selkirk, Commissioner General in South-East Asia, who will take the chair, and by H.M. Commercial Diplomatic Officers and Trade Commissioners in the countries being visited. These officials will have accompanied the missions on their tours in the individual countries concerned. I look forward to meeting the Delegation on its return. United Kingdom trade with the area now being studied should benefit from the improved credit insurance facilities which my right hon. Friend announced on 12th April. I shall consider any recommendations the Mission may make on the desirability of any further facilities of this sort. With only very minor exceptions, there are no restrictions on imports into the United Kingdom from the countries being visited by the missions. No requests have been received from the Governments of the countries being visited for action to stabilise raw material prices.