HC Deb 26 November 1973 vol 865 cc4-5W
39. Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, as commodity export prices rose at an annual rate of over 45 per cent. during the first six months of 1973, and as the price of manufactures exported rose at one-fifth of that rate, if he will seek international collaboration to redress the balance between the two ; and what steps he has taken in concert with other States to render the terms of trade less disadvantageous to manufacturing States.

Sir G. Howe

The underlying cause of the situation to which the Question refers is the current shortage of foodstuffs and raw materials. The United Kingdom is playing its full part in the international discussions on the resultant problems and means of overcoming them.