§ Mr. Swinglerasked the President of the Board of Trade with which countries of Eastern Europe the United Kingdom has no trade agreement; and what action he is taking to promote such agreements.
§ Sir D. Eccles:The United Kingdom has no trade agreement with the Soviet Union, Roumania, Albania or the Eastern Zone of Germany. In the case of the Soviet Union, our trade has improved in recent years and there is scope for a further substantial increase, but I do not consider that in present circumstances a trade agreement is called for. As regards Roumania and East Germany, I would refer the hon. Member to the Answers given on 4th December, 1956, to the hon. Member for Morpeth (Mr. Owen) and on 9th April, 1957, to the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. de Freitas).