HL Deb 15 November 1972 vol 336 cc705-7

2.35 p.m.

LORD AUCKLAND

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether in view of the present cordial relations between the United Kingdom and Romania they are satisfied that sufficient effort is being made to encourage increasing trade between the two countries and what meaures are currently being contemplated to put such encouragement into effect.

THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD DRUMALBYN)

Yes, my Lords. Earlier this year, new Long-term Trade and Co-operation Agreements were signed establishing the framework for a continued increase in commercial exchanges between the United Kingdom and Romania. The Agreements included provision for the setting up of a Joint Governmental Commission with Romania which will meet at regular intervals to supervise and promote the widest possible development of co-operation in the economic, industrial and technical fields. Ministerial visits have been exchanged this year. In the private sector, there is an increasing level of mission activity and business visiting, and over 30 British firms participated at the recent International Fair in Bucharest.

LORD AUCKLAND

My Lords, in thanking my noble friend for that Answer may I ask whether he is aware that his own visit to Romania was much appreciated? May I further ask him whether a visit from a senior Minister, preferably of Cabinet rank, is in fact contemplated shortly; and can he forecast what the future trade balances will be, because while at present they seem to be heavily in our favour the Romanians want to increase their trade with us?

LORD DERWENT

My Lords, before my noble friend answers that question would he point out to my other noble friend that he himself is a senior Minister?

LORD DRUMALBYN

My Lords, I am obliged to both my noble friends. For my part, the visit which I made to Romania was greatly appreciated by me and I was most grateful for the kindness and hospitality extended to me. So far as the visit of a more senior Minister is concerned, we welcome exchanges and Ministerial visits between both countries. I am aware that the Romanians would very much welcome a visit from a senior Minister in the near future. I am afraid I cannot go so far as to say that any particular visit is contemplated at the moment, but it is very much in our minds.

So far as trade is concerned perhaps it is not a bad thing that there are some countries with which we have a favourable balance of trade; but I know that from the Romanians' point of view, with their shortage of foreign exchange, it is very important for them that they should be able to increase their exports to this country. This is part of what the trade agreement is about.

LORD AUCKLAND

My Lords, may I assure my noble friend that I certainly consider him to be a most senior and able Minister?

LORD INGLEWOOD

My Lords, leaving out for a moment the question of the seniority of any particular Minister, would my noble friend not agree that one of the most important ways of increasing and improving trade between countries is by improving the postal services? Is he not aware that at this moment the postal services between this country and the countries of Eastern Europe are subject to very long delays, and can something not be done about this?

LORD DRUMALBYN

My Lords, I shall draw the attention of my right honourable friend to what my noble friend has said.

LORD SLATER

My Lords, can the Minister enlarge upon the first Answer given to his noble friend regarding the proposed Joint Governmental Commission and how that Commission is to be set up?

LORD DRUMALBYN

My Lords, the Trade and Co-operation Agreement signed in June provided for this Joint Governmental Commission, and we are at present discussing with the Romanian authorities arrangements for the first meeting of the Commission next year.

LORD INGLEWOOD

My Lords, is it possible that the postal services might be put on the agenda for that meeting?

LORD DRUMALBYN

My Lords. again I take note of what my noble friend has said.