HL Deb 07 November 1973 vol 346 cc353-4

2.51 p.m.

LORD MERRIVALE

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 they will make a Statement on the recent visit to this country, of H.E. Monsieur Konan Bedié, Finance Minister of the Republic of Ivory Coast.

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, the Finance Minister of the Ivory Coast was the guest of Her Majesty's Government from October 28 to November 1. He conferred with my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Common-weath Affairs, other members of the Government and leading figures in banking, commerce and industry. Her Majesty's Government believe that the visit will greatly benefit our relations with the Ivory Coast.

LORD MERRIVALE

My Lords, while thanking the noble Baroness for that reply, may I first of all warmly welcome, as I am sure the noble Baroness does too, Mr. Konan Bedié's politique d'ouverture towards this country in particular and in the economic field? If I may ask one or two questions: first, can my noble friend say what is to be the outcome of the talks that Mr. Konan Bedié had with the various Ministers to whom she referred in London? Will they lead to greater British involvement in the economy of the Ivory Coast, or, in other words, in what way will Her Majesty's Government respond to Mr. Konan Bedié's invitation? Finally, will Her Majesty's Government encourage and support British firms wishing to extend their activities to the Ivory Coast, or in the Ivory Coast, to do so?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, the details of the conversations are naturally confidential, but they ranged over a wide field with the Treasury about the need to stabilise receipts for primary products, the link between special drawing rights and development aid and replenishment of International Development Association funds. So far as increased business is concerned 60 British businessmen came to meet M. Bedié and I understand that the visit was thought to be encouraging. We hope that our entry into the European Economic Community will also help our trade with the Ivory Coast.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, is not this problem involved with the relationship of African countries with the European Community? Will it only be solved when the European Community comes to a mutual arrangement with them? Will Her Majesty's Government support the claims of the countries of the Third World for a fair adjustment of the relationship with the European Community?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, we have always said that we feel that these negotiations taking place now with the Community have had a very good start and are of the first importance. We shall do our best to encourage them.

LORD MERRIVALE

My Lords, when consideration is being given by Her Majesty's Government to the request by Mr. Konan Bedié, will they bear in mind that over the last thirteen years the average rate of growth of the economy in the Ivory Coast has been 7 per cent? This could possibly attract greater British investment in that country. This is very small at the moment. As I understand it, Japan, West Germany, and the United States, are already doing so.

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

Yes, my Lords, we hope that trade will increase. British exports to the Ivory Coast in 1972 were only £4.1 million, about 2 per cent. of the market, while imports from the Ivory Coast were £9 million. We hope that the meetings with the Department of Trade and Industry and businessmen will improve this balance of trade.