HC Deb 28 October 1965 vol 718 cc344-5
39. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state his plans to increase trade between Aberdeen and Northern Europe.

Mr. Mason

The steady increase in trade within E.F.T.A. between the United Kingdom and Northern Europe should offer ample opportunities for exporters in Aberdeen. The export services of the Board of Trade are always available to help them. I hope that they will take full advantage of the British Trade Fair to be held in Oslo next year.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Does not the Minister of State realise that the southeast of England in the matter of exports to Europe is very much better treated than the northeast of Scotland, which is penalised? Will my hon. Friend take steps to remove this disparity and to increase trade, industry and commerce from the north-east of Scotland to Europe?

Mr. Mason

I remind my hon. and learned Friend of what I said in my original Answer, that a British Trade Fair is to be held in Oslo in the spring of 1966 in which it is hoped that Scottish industries will play a full part. It is already known that three firms from the Aberdeen area engaged in the shipbuilding industry will be prominently exhibiting.

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