§ 1. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the outcome of his conversations with the Soviet Trade delegation, led by Academician Kirillin.
§ The Secretary of State for Trade (Mr. Edmund Dell)The purpose of the visit last month of the Soviet delegation led by Academician Kirillin was to attend 2 the British-Soviet Joint Commission for Co-operation in Applied Science, Technology, Trade and Economic Relations. The discussions reaffirmed the desire of both countries to develop co-operation in these fields. In particular, I pressed for the conclusion of more major orders with British firms in order to maintain the recent improvement in our exports to the Soviet Union.
§ Mr. JannerDid my right hon. Friend take the opportunity to express the view, which, I am sure, is held throughout the House, that the prospects of trade with the Soviet Union would be far better if the Soviet authorities ceased persecuting people within their country? If he did raise the matter, did he raise the case of any individuals, including that of Mrs. Ida Nudel, who is due to be tried this week, and what response did he get?
§ Mr. DellDiscussions between Governments on human rights questions are confidential. Nevertheless, my hon. and learned Friend knows that in appropriate cases the British Government raise problems of human rights. I hope that our trade with the Soviet Union expands beyond the recent rather improved performance.
§ Mr. BlakerIs the Secretary of State aware of the recent complaint by Mr. David Warburton, of the General and Municipal Workers' Union, about the effect on British working people of exports to this country and to Western 3 Europe from factories constructed in the Soviet Union by British firms under the line of credit extended to the Soviet Union by the right hon. Member for Huyton (Sir H. Wilson)? Did the right hon. Gentleman discuss this matter with Mr. Kirillin?
§ Mr. DellI think that Mr. David Warburton was referring to the compensation aspect of such deals. As the hon. Gentleman knows, Eastern European countries—and not they alone—are increasingly insisting on a compensation element in such trade. Other countries, notably the Federal Republic of Germany, have been very ready to meet the requirements in that respect and to undertake to make compensation purchases. If we are to get orders, I am afraid that in many cases we shall have to accept similar terms.
§ Mr. James LamondHow much of that line of credit has been taken up by the Soviet Union.
§ Mr. DellSo far, about £430 million. The Soviet delegation re-emphasised that its expectation was that the whole amount would be taken up before its validity expired. Obviously, I should like to see a much more rapid rate of take-up.