HC Deb 28 February 1961 vol 635 cc1366-7
37. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the President of the Board of Trade what facilities or advice he makes available for the exploration of the markets for exports to North Vietnam.

Mr. Erroll

The ordinary facilities of the Board of Trade are available. Export opportunities in North Vietnam are governed by the desire of the authorities there to trade on a barter basis.

Mr. Davies

I am aware of that. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, although the Foreign Office has three or four representatives at Hanoi, there seems to be little material information coming from there to help those who are prepared to try to explore these markets in North Vietnam? Will he co-operate with his colleagues to produce some kind of documentation about existing possibilities of the exchange of goods and encourage, if possible, multilateral trade in the South East Asia area?

Mr. Erroll

The British Consul at Hanoi does all he can in this matter, but if the hon. Member sends me further details of what is required we will do our best to see that British businessmen are properly informed.

Mr. Davies

Thank you.