HC Deb 16 July 1964 vol 698 cc1417-9
Q2. Mr. Denis Howell

asked the Prime Minister what discussions he has undertaken with the President of Pakistan in respect of trade between the United Kingdom and Pakistan.

The Prime Minister

My discussions with my Commonwealth colleagues were confidential.

Mr. Howell

Would it not be deplorable, following the Prime Minister's exaggerated concern about trade in arms to other countries, if concern were not also shown about legitimate trade? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Secretary of State for Industry and Trade has refused credit facilities in the case of the acrylic fibre plant in Pakistan? Will the Prime Minister show about this case some of the concern he has shown about arms in the last few weeks?

The Prime Minister

I cannot accept what the hon. Member implies. We try within our resources to help as much as we can in the Commonwealth countries. This is a particular case which must be dealt with by commercial practice.

Mr. Jay

Since the issue of the £6 million acrylic fibre plant order was first raised in the House, the Pakistan Government have intervened with the Pakistan syndicate concerned and have asked it to place the order, if possible, in this country and not in France. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is only the Board of Trade's refusal to grant the necessary credits that is standing in the way of this very important order being gained by this country? Is it not scandalous that the Government should throw away export orders like this and that the Prime Minister should know nothing about it?

The Prime Minister

There is a Question on the Order Paper to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry and Trade about this matter. As I have said, we try to employ our resources to the best of our ability and to finance what we can in the Commonwealth countries. A whole variety of Commonwealth projects are involved. The right hon. Gentleman knows that quite well. My right hon. Friend will answer the Question on the Order Paper in due course.

Mr. P. Williams

Is it not the case that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry and Trade had striking success at the Geneva Trade Conference recently which has paid off handsomely to the benefit of Commonwealth countries?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that this country can be blamed for not doing what it can. Some 40 per cent. of our imports come from the developing countries.

Mr. Shinwell

Why does the right hon. Gentleman say that these Commonwealth discussions are confidential? Are we not to be informed about trade relations between another Commonwealth country and the United Kingdom? Is it not important that we should be well informed on matters of this kind? Does the Prime Minister's answer mean that the reply he will give later to Questions about the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference will contain no information of any value?

The Prime Minister

The House, I think, can certainly be informed about Commonwealth trade and trade with Commonwealth countries, but I was asked about conversations with the President of Pakistan and they were confidential.

Mr. Jay

Will the Prime Minister answer the Question I asked him? Is he aware that this contract is now likely to amount to £9 million? Does he take no interest in the loss of an order of this magnitude?

The Prime Minister

If the right hon. Member wants a specific answer about a specific deal he must ask for it from my right hon. Friend. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Hon. Members could have had it if they had not taken so long in their supplementary questions.