§ 21. Mr. Wallasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the value of exports to and imports from Rhodesia and South Africa, respectively, during the past six months; and how these figures compare with the equivalent period a year ago.
§ Mr. RedheadAs the Answer contains a number of figures, I will with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. WallDoes the Minister agree that these figures will show that these two countries are our third or fourth best markets? Is it wise to prejudice good will by rejecting orders for £150 million worth of arms for external defence? These orders are now going to our industrial competitors, such as France, who are also members of the United Nations.
§ Mr. RedheadIt remains the policy of the Government to foster trade with both countries on a reciprocal basis in the general field of trade. Arms, however, as has been repeatedly indicated in this House, are an entirely separate matter. I acknowledge that they are substantial customers of ours and the evidence of the figures will show that indeed they continue to be growingly important customers and that the trade is both ways.
§ Sir H. HarrisonBearing in mind the Minister's reply and that South Africa is in a five-year boom and a big importer, would he not consider that in in this very vital export market for this country a visit by himself, or the President of the Board of Trade, purely on trade matters might be a great help to the trade of the two countries?
§ Mr. RedheadThe trade is so flourishing with South Africa that such a move does not seem necessary. We might devote our attention more profitably elsewhere. We know of no case where it has been established that British firms have lost important civilian orders because of the arms ban.
§ Mr. RowlandCan the hon. Gentleman say if he has made an estimate 1649 of the extent to which Rhodesian exports would be reduced by removal of Commonwealth Preference?
§ Mr. RedheadNot without notice.
§ Following is the answer:
| UNITED KINGDOM IMPORTS AND EXPORTS | ||
| £ million | ||
| Countries | ||
| Period | Southern Rhodesia, Zambia and Malawi (a) | Republic of South Africa |
| IMPORTS | ||
| October, 1963-March, 1964 (b) | 45.0 | 56.3 |
| October, 1964-March, 1965 (c) | 51.3 | 53.1 |
| October,1964-March, 1965 (c) | 51.6 | 82.7 |
| U.K. EXPORTS | ||
| October, 1963-March, 1964 (b) | 20.0 | 104.2 |
| October, 1964-March, 1965 (b) | 22.7 | 118.1 |
| October, 1964-March, 1965 (c) | 22.9 | 125.9 |
| RE-EXPORTS | ||
| October, 1963-March, 1964 | 0.1 | 1.4 |
| October, 1964-March, 1965 | 0.1 | 1.7 |
§ (a) For 1963 and 1964, figures are available only for total trade with the countries as a group (the former Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland), and not with individual countries.
§ (b) Comparable figures on old basis.
§ (c) On revised basis, including diamonds and other precious stones (formerly omitted) and using revised average values for parcel post imports.