HC Deb 05 December 1963 vol 685 cc1344-5
15. Mr. P. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what specific action he is taking to increase inter-Commonwealth trade.

Mr. Heath

There are very few obstacles so far as trade between the countries of the Commonwealth and this country is concerned, and we give every encouragement through our trade commissioners and the Government's other export services, to British traders to expand their exports to the Commonwealth.

Mr. Williams

I thank my right hon. Friend for that rather general Answer. Can he explain why this Question was transferred from the Commonwealth Relations Office? Am I to understand that that Office no longer has any responsibility for promoting inter-Commonwealth trade? Am I also to understand that his title is now to include not just industry, trade and regional development, but Commonwealth relations and the Colonies? Can he give any indication of the Government's thinking on migration policy and of a much more positive trade policy than they have thought of so far?

Mr. Heath

My hon. Friend's Question is devoted entirely to an increase of inter-Commonwealth trade. So far as I know, it does not raise questions of migration, or any other Commonwealth policies for which my right hon. Friend is fully responsible. Commonwealth trade is one aspect of our trade and world trade as a whole. We are doing our utmost to increase it through the action which we have taken, to try to bring the Kennedy Round of the G.A.T.T. to a success, and in the United Nations Trade Conference. The Commonwealth itself has a fundamental interest in increasing multilateral trade.

Mr. Jay

Are the Government at least considering the amount of credit available for Commonwealth countries to buy goods from surplus capacity in this country, since this would help both under-developed Commonwealth countries and under-employed areas here?

Mr. Heath

There is already a scheme for using under-used capacity in this country by means of loans by the Treasury.

Mr. Turton

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that last year his Department helped four trade missions from Europe and only one from the Commonwealth to come to this country? This year, will he try to make the proportion the other way round?

Mr. Heath

I am quite prepared to assist trade missions from Commonwealth countries to come here, but our objective must also be to sell many more goods to Commonwealth countries. That requires that our trade missions go to the Commonwealth, and we have a substantial programme of exhibitions and British fairs for the Commonwealth countries—in particular, in this coming year, for Australia.

Mr. Williams

On a point of order. In view of the nature of that Answer, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment in due course.

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