HC Deb 10 May 1971 vol 817 cc23-4
32. Sir A. Meyer

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish figures showing the exports to Czechoslovakia from the United Kingdom, France, the Federal Republic of Germany and Italy in 1965 and 1970, respectively, from information available from international sources.

Mr. Anthony Grant

The information is published by the O.E.C.D. in "Statistics of Foreign Trade, Series A", which is available in the Library. The figures show that exports from the United Kingdom have increased more slowly than from France, Germany and Italy.

Sir A. Meyer

Does not my hon. Friend agree that this gives the lie to allegations that the Community is an inward-looking organisation? Does it not suggest that the existence of the Community helps to promote trade with Eastern Europe and that, inside the Community, Britain would find further opportunities for trading with Eastern Europe?

Mr. Grant

That is one conclusion that can be drawn from the figures. I am certain that there is nothing in the Community which would inhibit Britain from trading further with Eastern Europe.

Mr. Deakins

Can the hon. Gentleman say how much of the exports of the Federal Republic of Germany, France and Italy were of subsidised agricultural products?

Mr. Grant

Not without notice.