HC Deb 08 April 1974 vol 872 cc20-1
29. Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is his policy towards trade with South Africa, Chile and Iron Curtain countries, respectively.

Mr. Shore

Apart from military supplies it is the Government's policy to encourage British exports to these and other countries.

Mr. Grant

Will the Minister confirm that his future policy will be dictated by Britain's overall trading interests and not by minor party political considerations?

Mr. Shore

The hon. Gentleman should not minimise the important political issues involved, particularly in the supply of arms. That is why I deliberately began my answer by putting that on one side. That apart, it is in the general interests of the country—and of all other countries—to encourage the maximum amount of trade on equitable terms between us.

Mr. Ronald Atkins

Will my right hon. Friend make it clear, because it needs to be emphasised, that we do not export arms to countries behind the Iron Curtain?

Mr. Shore

Yes, it has long been the established policy that there should be very strict control on the supply of arms to countries in Eastern Europe.

Mr. Rifkind

Are there any objective criteria for determining to which countries arms will be sold? If so, what are those criteria?

Mr. Shore

This has to be decided, and has been decided by successive Governments, very much on a case-to-case basis.

Mr. Hooley

Is my right hon. Friend aware that deliberate encouragement of trade between South Africa and the United Kingdom may seriously prejudice the trading interests of the United Kingdom with the rest of Africa?

Mr. Shore

That is among the factors that have to be borne in mind. I do not believe that the present volume of our trade with South Africa is having any deleterious effect on our prospects of trade with African countries to the north.

Mr. Berry

When does the right hon. Gentleman intend to visit these countries, and in which order?

Mr. Shore

I refer the hon. Gentleman to my previously announced plans. I am visiting Canada and the United States in the near future, and I hope to visit Australia and New Zealand thereafter. Beyond that, whether I can get away will depend greatly on how well the Opposition behave in the House.