HC Deb 26 April 1976 vol 910 cc22-3
26. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what are the latest figures available for trade with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other Eastern European countries; and what further steps he is taking to encourage this trade.

Mr. Dell

In the first three months of this year our exports to the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe were £154 million, an increase of 20 per cent. compared with the same period of 1975. We are continuing to promote actively the further expansion in our trade with these countries.

Mr. Roberts

Does my right hon. Friend accept that the movement in this trade is satisfactory and has been so in recent months? Would he comment on the forecast by many experts that this trade is likely to remain in surplus for some time to come?

Mr. Dell

I do not know that the trade is in surplus. I certainly wish to encourage it and I hope that we can take advantage from the United Kingdom-Soviet Union Joint discussions that will be taking place next May to encourage our exports further.

Mr. Higgins

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept that this trade is not satisfactory unless this country gets a reasonable return on the sales of its exports? In view of the welcome positive view which he has taken about Common Market affairs during Question Time, may I ask him to carry out negotiations with the Common Market and other OECD countries to ensure that the terms on which we export to the Communist bloc are not unfavourable to us and extremely favourable to the Russians and the others?

Mr. Dell

As the hon. Gentleman knows, there are discussions among the OECD countries about the terms on which exports are made. Nevertheless, at the moment we are faced with a particular situation in relation to the Soviet Union and my main concern is to take advantage of the framework we have to develop our exports to the Soviet Union.

Mr. Goodhew

But is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that it is right to try to build up the economy of the Soviet Union at a time when that country is trying to undermine the interests of the free world in Africa? As the Government believe in sanctions against some other countries, should not the right hon. Gentleman be looking at this matter more carefully?

Mr. Dell

I have a strong belief that the development of trade with the Soviet Union can be of mutual benefit.

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