HL Deb 16 December 1980 vol 415 cc981-2

2.49 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 what proposals they have to increase the volume of exports from the United Kingdom to Finland.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, conscious of the growing importance of the West European market which now takes virtually 60 per cent. of our exports, the Department of Trade has recently set up an Exports to Europe branch to promote our exports to Western Europe, including Finland. The branch will operate on an initiative basis by seeking out export opportunities and bringing them to the attention of prospective United Kingdom suppliers. It is not intended to replace, but rather to complement the BOTB's well-established range of export services given in response to particular inquiries.

Lord Auckland

My Lords, I should like to thank my noble friend for that satisfactory Answer, and perhaps I may ask him two supplementary questions. First, will he do what he can to persuade his department to encourage more British business people to visit Finland?—which is one of the few countries where we have a trade balance deficit and where enormous opportunities prevail in a very friendly country. Secondly, can there not be a repetition of the very successful "Britain in Finland Year", which was instigated 11 years ago and which considerably increased our export potential? Thirdly, will he do ail he can to publicise the fact that Finland is one of our closest allies?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I wholeheartedly agree with the first point which my noble friend made about visits to Finland. It is certainly the case that, in our opinion, British businessmen do not fully appreciate the opportunities that are available there, and we hope that they will visit Finland more frequently, when perhaps they will become aware of the very considerable opportunities that are open to them in that country. As for a "Britain in Finland Year", that is an excellent idea which I shall ensure is considered at the appropriate level. It is, of course, the case that Finland is a most important ally, in both commercial and political ways.

Lord Goronwy-Roberts

My Lords, although entirely agreeing with what the noble Lord said towards the end of his answer just now, in addition to the highly commendable ad hoc arrangements which he and the questioner have indicated exist between us and Finland, may I ask whether there is anything between us and Finland analogous to the Round Table arrangements which we have with certain Eastern European countries? If not, or if the noble Lord without notice is not able to answer that particular question, which I admit is a specific one, could he mention the possibility to his right honourable friends the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of State for Trade?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I do not think that there is an arrangement such as the noble Lord describes as exists with certain other countries. Of course, Finland is a member of EFTA, which does not apply in the other case, and the European Community has a special relationship with EFTA, as the noble Lord will know. However, I shall certainly bear in mind what the noble Lord says and ensure that it is considered at an appropriate level.