HC Deb 02 December 1987 vol 123 cc604-5W
Mr. Robertson

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) if Her Majesty's Government are in favour of British companies responding to the call by the Soviet Government to set up joint ventures in the Soviet Union; what assistance the Department of Trade and Industry is providing; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will publish in the Official Report a list of British companies which (a) have entered into joint ventures in the Soviet Union and (b) are currently negotiating such joint ventures.

Mr. Atkins

Whether it is in the interest of British companies to enter into joint ventures in the Soviet Union is entirely a matter for the commercial judgment of individual companies. My Department and the commercial department of the British Embassy in Moscow maintain close contact with companies known to be interested in joint ventures to advise them of latest developments with regard to their establishment. So far, only about 20 joint ventures have been approved by the Soviet authorities, none as yet with British companies. Many British companies have however submitted proposals and some are at an advanced stage of negotiation. For reasons of commerical confidentiality, it is not appropriate for me to list interested companies.