HC Deb 20 November 1967 vol 754 cc921-2
31. Dr. David Kerr

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he now proposes to take to facilitate the expansion of trade and cultered exchange between Great Britain and the German Democratic Republic.

Mr. Mulley

As our trade with East Germany has been developing satisfactorily, and cultural exchanges are taking place on private initiative, my right hon. Friend does not propose taking any special steps in these fields.

Dr. Kerr

Will the Minister bring to his right hon. Friend's notice the greater likelihood of my being able to go to Berlin than to Peking, and that if I am able to do so I shall convey those feelings? But will he note that there are still continuing obstacles to trade between this country and the fifth largest industrial country in Europe? In these difficult economic times is it not wise to accord some measure of de facto recognition to the German Democratic Republic?

Mr. Mulley

Despite our non-recognition trade has been developing satisfactorily under private arrangements and, as my hon. Friend knows, exports doubled between 1965 and 1966. We shall be most grateful for anything which my hon. Friend can do to increase them further in the next year.

Mr. Mikardo

Does my right hon. Friend realise that, in spite of any increase, we are doing much worse in this market than are our West European competitors, who are bound by the same N.A.T.O. rules as we are in their dealings with the German Democratic Republic, because those rules are hon- oured by Great Britain and Great Britain alone, and the others dodge round them?

Mr. Mulley

If my hon. Friend will let me have any details, I shall be happy to look at them.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

In order to try to improve trade with East Germany, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the restrictions on East Germans coming to this country as buyers of equipment and, in particular, the delays and difficulties over obtaining passport visas by East Germans?

Mr. Mulley

The hon. Member has a later Question on this subject, but I can tell him that already this year 619 applications for temporary visas have been granted to businessmen visiting this country from East Germany, and none have been refused.

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