§ 15. Sir C. Osborneasked the President of the Board of Trade how far the substantial fall in United Kingdom exports for the second half of 1962 was due to the 15 per cent. fall in exports to Canada; what representations he has made to the Canadian Government over their restriction of United Kingdom imports; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GreenUnited Kingdom exports seasonally adjusted were 2 per cent. higher in the second half of 1962 than in the first half, though exports to Canada were 10 per cent. lower. We are in touch with the Canadian Government about the difficulties affecting our exports to Canada.
§ Sir C. OsborneSince over the last twelve years Canada has sold to us £1,700 million worth of goods more than she has bought from us, should we not take more active steps? Does not my hon. Friend realise that there is no cure for unemployment unless we export more?
§ Mr. GreenAs the main part of my job is to promote exports, I hope my hon. Friend will accept that I realise the connection between exports and unemployment. I point out to him, however, that our trade is based upon the multilateral principle of trading and not upon bilateral trading. Consequently, a deficit with one country should not be exaggerated.
§ Sir C. OsborneMultilateral trading will not find work for our unemployed. I want to see more orders for goods that are produced here and will create work. Will not my hon. Friend do something about that?