HC Deb 14 May 1973 vol 856 cc1013-4
21. Mr. Sydney Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement following his signing of the protocol calling for a 10-year Anglo-Russian economic, scientific and industrial agreement, with particular reference to the existing imbalance in trade between the two countries.

Mr. Peter Walker

I welcomed the Soviet proposal for such an agreement, which I believe would create a stable basis for economic collaboration between our two countries and in particular provide improved opportunities for British exports to the Soviet Union. I hope negotiations can be completed this year.

Mr. Chapman

Does my right hon. Friend agree that, if economic, scientific and industrial agreements are to flourish, the first and urgent task is to minimise the gap between our exports to the USSR, which are currently only £90 million, and their exports to us, which are £227 million? I appreciate that there is a job for firms and industries in this country, but is there not also some firm talking needed with the Russian Government about delays for political reasons and bureaucratic delays for administrative reasons on firms trying to trade with that country?

Mr. Walker

It is true that there are far more restrictive arrangements on British firms selling to the Soviet Union than on that country selling to us. I hope that we can identify ourselves in the early stages of major Soviet projects. This is one of the intentions of the agreement.

Mr. Dalyell

To be frank, does not part of the trouble in selling to the Soviet Union stem from the impetuous action of the Foreign Secretary in expelling those Soviet diplomats? If we are serious about wanting to improve relations, would not an apology from the Foreign Office be a good start?

Mr. Walker

No, Sir.