HL Deb 11 February 1963 vol 246 cc877-8WA
LORD BARNBY

asked Her Majesty's Government, with regard to trade with Roumania, why the import of beef from that origin is impeded when the balance of trade with the United Kingdom appears to be in Britain's favour, while long-scale import continues (from other than Commonwealth countries) where the balance of trade appears to be unfavourable to Britain.

THE MINISTER OF STATE, BOARD OF TRADE (LORD DERWENT)

It is true that the balance of visible trade with Roumania is in Britain's favour, though this does not reflect the overall balance of payments since a large part of our exports to Roumania consists of capital equipment paid for over a number of years. The Government have had to weigh on the one hand the advantage to British exports which a quota might bring and on the other the situation on our own meat market; and have concluded that it would not be right to agree to a quota.

I should add that, it has been necessary very recently to draw the attention of the two main non-Commonwealth suppliers of chilled beef, Argentine and Yugoslavia, to the need for restraint in supplying this country. This follows a similar approach in 1962.

House adjourned at twenty minutes before eight o'clock.