HC Deb 13 March 1968 vol 760 cc303-4W
100. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the President of the Board of Trade why there has been a large increase recently in the total permitted import quota value for Soviet exports to this country, in view of the fact that the commodities concerned are freely available in the United Kingdom or elsewhere; and whether, in view of present economic circumstances and the adverse balance of trade with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, he will review this matter at an early date.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

The goods subject to quota restriction form only a small part of our trade with the Soviet Union. The increases in import quotas for 1968 announced in January are in return for increased opportunities for the export of British goods to the Soviet Union.