HC Deb 29 April 1970 vol 800 cc1245-6
33 and 34. Mr. Judd

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he will call a round-table conference of all concerned to consider the possibility of expanding British trade with, and investment in, East and Central Africa, Botswana and Swaziland;

(2) what is the total number of Government personnel exclusively concerned with promoting trade with, and investment in, East and Central Africa, Botswana and Swaziland.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

Twenty-five of the staff of our diplomatic posts in these countries are exclusively concerned with promoting trade, in addition to a number of officials both in London and on the spot part of whose time is devoted to this purpose. Our trade with these countries has been increasing satisfactorily with the support of the Government export services and B.N.E.C. I do not think that a round-table conference is necessary.

Mr. Judd

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply and agreeing that there has been a welcome improvement in our trade with these areas, may I ask her whether she would not agree that too many new opportunities are still being missed, with the Italians and Japanese too frequently taking a lead? Will she do everything possible to ensure that we expand our trade and investment in these areas and, particularly in view of the British communities dependent on trade with Southern Africa, would she not agree that these trends are even more important in the future because of political instability in the Republic of South Africa itself?

Mrs. Dunwoody

I hope that British companies will take every opportunity to extend their trade with Eastern and Central Africa. It is encouraging that our exports to these countries rose from £72 million in 1964 to £134 million in 1969, an increase of 84 per cent. I am sure that our businessmen will take every opportunity to increase this flow.

Mr. James Johnson

Is my hon. Friend aware that despite political misunderstandings over Mr. Smith and South Africa, our High Commissions are doing a wonderful job in increasing our trade with these territories? If the Minister were able to visit these areas, as I have recently done, she would find the utmost good will among Ministers there who desire to extend trade with us.

Mrs. Dunwoody

I should be delighted to visit East Africa, but I would have to ask my right hon. Friend's permission. I think that British goods are some of the best in the world. If we offer what the customer wants and can supply on time, we have every opportunity of doing a good amount of trade with East Africa.