§ 14. Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade what are the main exports from the United Kingdom to the countries comprising the Southern Africa Development Co-ordination Conference (SADCC); and what steps are being taken to increase trade with them.
§ Mr. ParkinsonMachinery and transport equipment account for more than half the value of our exports to the SADCC countries. Manufactured goods and chemical products are also important. All the British Overseas Trade Board's export services and the resources of our posts are available in support of our trade with these countries.
§ Mr. HooleyIs the Minister aware that those countries between them comprise enormous natural, mineral and agricultural resources and are likely, over the next 10 or 15 years, to become immensely important markets for Britain both in terms of exports and imports? Would it not be a healthy trend as far as possible to move our trade away from South Africa and towards this area?
§ Mr. ParkinsonI agree with the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question. These are important markets. They account for £300 million worth of exports at the moment. I believe that the hon. Gentleman's thinking is wrong in the second part of his question. If, as he puts it, our trade was moved away from South Africa, a number of those countries would be adversely affected. What we wish to see is an expansion of our trade with both areas.
§ Mr. Robert TaylorWhat percentage of our current trade with those countries is directly financed by our own aid programme?
§ Mr. ParkinsonIf my hon. Friend cares to table a question on that subject, I shall give him the answer. I am afraid that I. cannot give it off the top of my head.