HC Deb 26 April 1967 vol 745 cc1599-600
43. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the adverse balance of Anglo-Soviet trade during 1967 to date; and what steps he is taking to increase exports of British manufacturers to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Mr. Jay

In the first three months of the year provisional figures for Anglo-Soviet trade were:

U.K. Imports … £21.5 million c.i.f.
U.K. Exports … £12.4 million f.o.b.
I am discussing Anglo-Soviet trade, including opportunities for increased exports of British manufacturers, with the Soviet Minister of Foreign Trade during his present visit. A communiqué will be issued shortly.

Sir G. Nabarro

Is it not a fact that the figures announced by the President of the Board of Trade reveal an adverse balance on Anglo-Soviet trade to the extent of £36 million a year, based on the first quarter of this year? As this is an endemic adverse balance which has persisted for years, can we arrange with the Soviet Union that we shall not purchase on the scale of the last few years unless they demonstrate a measure of reciprocity towards British manufactured goods?

Mr. Jay

This point has been made very often and very forcibly to our Soviet friends. I would advise the hon. Member that those figures somewhat exaggerate the gap, although the gap is still larger than we wish. I am glad to say that the Soviet authorities have placed some very large orders here during the last few months.

Sir C. Osborne

When discussing the problem with the visiting Soviet Trade Minister, will the right hon. Gentleman try to undo the old regulation which limited the proportion of purchases of consumer goods to too small a proportion? Will he see that consumer goods are bought in greater amount, because that produces more employment in this country?

Mr. Jay

I always thought that the arrangement made here by the previous Government was mistaken and I am glad to say that it is becoming obsolescent.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Biggs-Davison—Question No. 47.

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

On a point of order. Have we overlooked Question No. 46?

Mr. Speaker

I am sorry. It was grouped with No. 21, and the hon. Member for Richmond, Surrey (Mr. A. Royle), who had down Question No. 21, was not here. Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop—Question No. 46.