HC Deb 11 December 1969 vol 793 cc633-4
Q2. Mr. Molloy

asked the Prime Minister when he next proposes to visit the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

The Prime Minister

I would refer to my reply to Questions by the hon. Member for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne) and my hon. Friend the Member for Stockport, North (Mr. Gregory) on Tuesday.—[Vol. 793, c. 239.]

Mr. Molloy

In his replies the Prime Minister said that he would always be prepared to consider any invitation to the Soviet Union. In view of the remarkable increase in prestige and the almost solidarity of this nation, as has been shown in the last set of Questions, would my right hon. Friend now consider initiating a proposal for him to visit the Soviet Union to discuss such serious subjects as Vietnam, the Middle East, disarmament and the possibility of a European Security Council?

The Prime Minister

On the question of trade figures, I have no doubt they will hake been studied by all the countries with which we have dealings, and, of course, the increase in trade with the Soviet Union has been particularly marked in these last five years. With regard to the other matters, I can assure my hon. Friend that whatever decision is taken at any time about a personal meeting with Mr. Kosygin, we are in very close touch with him on these subjects.

Mr. Blaker

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that another thing which has been particularly marked about our trade with the Soviet Union has been the remarkable increase in the adverse balance which we have with that country? If he goes to Moscow will he raise this matter?

The Prime Minister

This has been a continuing problem, to my knowledge for over 20 years, and was a problem for the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition when he was President of the Board of Trade. We have had to deal with it, too, and the gap has been narrowing somewhat. The Soviet Union and other Eastern European countries do not accept our insistence on an absolutely bilateral balance, because they want to earn sterling in their trade with us because of their adverse balance with other sterling area countries.