HC Deb 15 January 1986 vol 89 cc1064-5
7. Mr. Tom Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total amount of trade between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the United Kingdom for the year 1985.

Mr. Channon

The full year's figures are not yet available, but the total amount of trade between the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union in the first 11 months of 1985 was £1,150 million.

Mr. Cox

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that as relationships between the Soviet Union and the rest of the world improve, so do opportunities for trade? Is he further aware that the United States has already sent major trade delegations to the Soviet Union to try to build up the United States' share of that trade? What help is the Department giving businesses in this country to do likewise? In particular, what special financial help is available to get contracts under way initially?

Mr. Channon

The hon. Gentleman is quite right. Following Mr. Gorbachev's visit to this country, I believe that there are considerable prospects for increasing trade between Britain and the Soviet Union. In the short term that increase has not yet materialised, but at the annual meeting of the British-Russian Joint Trade Commission on 6 and 7 February we shall be making a major effort to increase trade. Very good facilities are available for business men to trade with the Soviet Union, and they receive normal help from the Department. If the hon. Gentleman has any specific case in mind, perhaps he will get in touch with me.

Mr. Terlezki

Is it conceivable that some of our industrial technology is being sold to the Soviet Union and may be used in the further development of Soviet star wars plans, nuclear weapons or, indeed, any type of weapon?

Mr. Channon

I hope that that is not possible. My hon. Friend will be aware that there are controls under the COCOM arrangements to stop such exports.

Mr. Tom Clarke

Is the Minister aware that the Gartcosh plant exports considerable orders to the Soviet Union as well as to other countries? Can he say when his Department will respond to the overwhelming recommendation of the Scottish Select Committee? If not, can he whisper to his right hon. and learned Friend and give the House the information?

Mr. Channon

I admire the hon. Gentleman's ingenuity, but that is not a matter with which I have been dealing. However, my right hon. and learned Friend has heard what the hon. Gentleman has said.