HC Deb 25 March 1970 vol 798 cc1424-5
30. Mr. Judd

asked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the total increase during the past five years in British exports to, and imports from, each of the following countries, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya; what has been the percentage change in the United Kingdom's share of these markets; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Mason

With permission, I will publish the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT. In total, United Kingdom exports to these countries increased by over 80 per cent. and imports from them by about 50 per cent.; our share in their imports remained unchanged at 28 per cent.

Mr. Judd

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that, with some notable exceptions, British industry has been too lax about getting in on the ground floor of these rapidly expanding markets? Will he do everything possible to promote British trade with Africa north of the Zambesi?

Mr. Mason

That we are doing. We are providing an export service to British exporters which is unparalleled in the world.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of my right hon. Friend's statement, which we welcome, indicating a vast expansion of our trade with new Commonwealth countries, what is all this nonsense about the Common Market?

Mr. Mason

My right hon. Friend does not appreciate that many of these developing countries will not and cannot for some time be able to take sophisticated manufactured goods from an advanced industrial country like ourselves.

Zambia Tanzania Uganda Kenya
Increase in United Kingdom exports (f.o.b.) £'000 20,253 8,368 4,663 17,053
between 1964 and 1969.Per cent. Per cent. 133 (*) 84 83 51
Increase in United Kingdom imports (c.i.f.) £'000 29,396 1,658 11,940 6,370
between 1964 and 1969. Per cent. 39 (*) 7 216 33
Change in the United Kingdom's share of imports into each country between 1964 and the twelve months ending October, 1969 (†) Per cent. 31 -17 -2 1
(*) Increase between 1965 and 1969. (No separate details of trade with Zambia are available for 1964).
(†) Change in share expressed as a percentage of the share in 1964.