§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on his visit to the annual dinner of the British-Israeli Chamber of Commerce on 4 June; what is the current position regarding bilateral trade between the United Kingdom and Iseael; and whether Her Majesty's Government are seeking to expand it.
§ Mr. ChannonMy right hon. Friend was the joint guest of honour at the British-Israel Chamber of Commerce annual dinner with Mr. Gideon Patt, the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Government of Israel. My right hon. Friend gave an address highlighting the strong and growing bilateral trade betwenn Israel and the United Kingdom.
United Kingdom exports to Israel for the 12 months ending 31 December 1983 were £354.9 million and imports from Israel during the same period were £314.1 million.
Her Majesty's Government encourage trade with overseas countries, including Israel, consistent with our international obligations.