HC Deb 21 March 1967 vol 743 cc1441-2
Q9. Mr. Marten

asked the Prime Minister which Ministers will be involved in implementing his agreement with Mr. Kosygin about long-term trading arrangements with Russia and her allies.

The Prime Minister

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade will pursue with the Soviet Minister of Foreign Trade the possibilities of long-term trading arrangements between our two countries and will consult all other Ministers concerned as necessary.

Mr. Marten

As the Prime Minister just said that a North Atlantic Free Trade Area might be an alternative, could he say whether the Government are studying the question of trade with the East as a possible alternative if we do not get the conditions of entry into the Common Market?

The Prime Minister

With trade as widespread as that of this country, it would be wrong to assume, whatever we do, that we shall be trading with only one area. Whether it be with Western Europe, Eastern Europe, or anywhere else, we want to maximise trade as far as we can in all directions and we look to an improved volume of trade with the Soviet Union. This was the purpose of my discussions with Mr. Kosygin, the remarks in the communiqué and the aim which my right hon. Friend is following up.