HC Deb 13 December 1962 vol 669 cc568-9
33. Mr. Shinwell

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the discouragement to British importers of Roumanian goods and to manufacturers wishing to export to Roumania caused by the delay in negotiating quotas for 1963; what was the reason for the Board's action in discontinuing the discussions in mid-September; and why nearly three months have elapsed without any resumption of these talks.

40. Mrs. Castle

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the trade talks with Roumania have been discontinued at a time when trade with that country has been expanding; and when it is proposed to resume the talks.

Mr. Erroll

The negotiations, which began in August, raised certain difficult points which required careful and detailed consideration. They have now been resumed and will, I hope, be concluded shortly. The previous quotas, which expired on 30th September last, have been renewed for a period of three months to allow trade to continue meanwhile.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it at all likely that negotiations have been resumed after this unnecessary delay because of Questions put on the Order Paper? Is not the whole position as regards East-West trade thoroughly unsatisfactory? Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise the importance of East-West trade, apart from certain security difficulties, in dealing with the problem of unemployment in this country?

Mr. Erroll

Yes, I fully appreciate the importance of East-West trade and particularly the importance of securing adequate outlets for our exporters, whether they are situated in development districts or elsewhere. That is one reason why the negotiations have been protracted. While I am always glad to answer Questions tabled by the right hon. Gentleman, or any other hon. Member, I can assure him that on thus occasion the tabling of Questions had nothing whatever to do with the resumption of negotiations.

Mrs. Castle

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that there is a great field for expansion of trade if the Board of Trade will drop its negative and dilatory attitude towards this matter? Is he aware that Roumania has the fastest growing economy of the Eastern bloc and is anxious to buy British plant? It is absurd that there should be this three months' delay. Will he negotiate increased quotas which certainly Roumania wants?

Mr. Erroll

Quotas have certainly been increased in both directions in the last few years, but the Roumanians are, as we are, anxious to pay for imports. Shortage of sterling limits their capacity to buy.

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

Will my right hon. Friend moderate his enthusiasm for East-West trade by remembering that it is worth indulging in only if we are paid either in convertible currency or in commodities which we need—which, incidentally, do not include food products?

Mr. Erroll

I shall bear in mind what my hon. Friend has said.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the information which has come to hon. Members about the difficult problem which faces us in connection with various aspects of East-West trade, will the right hon. Gentleman look into the whole matter and, after the Christmas Recess, make a statement on the subject to the House?

Mr. Erroll

I did conduct an informal review within my Department a few weeks ago on a number of aspects of East-West trade. If the House would like to have a statement after the Recess, I shall do my best to oblige.