HC Deb 27 October 1980 vol 991 cc17-8
15. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the current state of trade between Israel and the United Kingdom.

Mr. Nott

The value of United Kingdom-Israel trade for the period January-August 1980 has fallen slightly from the equivalent period in 1979. Two-way trade for this period totalled £327.4 million, comprising British exports of £156.2 million and Israel exports of £171.2 million.

Mr. Janner

Has not the time come when the Government should stop authenticating Arab boycott documents that are designed to interfere with free trade between two friendly democracies?

Mr. Nott

I understand the hon. and learned Gentleman's question. I must have answered that question at least five or six times. He knows our policy towards authentication. I understand his concern about the present arrangements. We are going as far as we can to satisfy him. I am conscious that we have not gone quite as far as he wishes. The matter is very much on my mind.

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