HC Deb 29 November 1955 vol 546 c177W
8. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the President of the Board of Trade why, in view of the desirability of British exporters concentrating upon developing exports to the industrial countries of Europe, he has adopted a policy of making the conclusion of trade agreements with Eastern European countries dependent upon financial settlements.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

It is important to increase our export trade but it is also important, if we are to take increased imports from Eastern European countries, that there should be some practical recognition on their part of our legitimate financial claims. We have already made trade and financial agreements on this basis with Poland and Bulgaria.