§ 23. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on his visit to the trade fair in Oslo with special reference to the prospects of increasing trade, industry and cultural intercourse between Scotland and Scandinavia.
§ Mr. JayI have every hope that the British Fair and Fortnight in Oslo, which was most successful both in attendance and initial orders, will lead to a further increase in our trade with Norway and indeed with the other Scandinavian 1532 countries. Scotland with its traditional links with Scandinavia should be well placed to share in any such increase.
§ Mr. HughesWhile thanking the Minister for that answer, may I ask him to specify the particular industries which are common to both countries and which may benefit north-east Scotland in general, and Aberdeen in particular, as a result of increasing trade?
§ Mr. JayForestry is one of those industries common to both countries, but I think that one of the Scottish exports which will certainly benefit is woollen goods.
§ Mr. Stratton MillsHaving regard to the import surcharge, was not the right hon. Gentleman extremely tactless to accuse the Norwegians of being in breach of the spirit of the E.F.T.A. agreement?
§ Mr. JayNo, Sir. The trouble with the hon. Gentleman is that he is always defending every country except his own.