§ 5. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the President of the Board of Trade, having regard to his efforts to expand British exports in Europe, east and west of the Iron Curtain, what proposals he has to increase trade within the Commonwealth and sterling area.
§ Mr. MaudlingMy efforts to promote the expansion of United Kingdom exports have been directed to the markets of the Commonwealth and the sterling area, as well as to Europe and other parts of the world.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonWould my right hon. Friend agree that the economic strength and unity of the Commonwealth are the best foundation for a satisfactory economic arrangement in Europe? Will Her Majesty's Government do their best to try to set up an appropriate form of Commonwealth freer trade association?
§ Mr. MaudlingI certainly agree that the economic strength of the Commonwealth, with which the political cohesion of the Commonwealth is linked, is of the greatest possible importance to this country and, I think, to the whole free world as well.