HC Deb 12 May 1949 vol 464 cc115-6W
15. Mr. Philips Price

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the official announcement recently by the Prime Minister of Pakistan that the supply of British goods and services to Pakistan has been insufficient to fulfil the programme of development planned in that country, he will take steps to meet all reasonable requests from this quarter.

Mr. J. Edwards

My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer assured the Pakistan Finance Minister in July, 1948, that the United Kingdom appreciated Pakistan's problems in view of her need to develop her

Mr. J. Edwards

Following is the information.

economy for the first time as an independent State, and would, within the limits of what was possible, do its best to help. United Kingdom exports to Pakistan have, in fact, increased very substantially, namely, from under £2 million in the first quarter of 1948 to over £9 million in the first quarter of 1949. The next in a series of regular economic discussions with the Pakistan Government is due to begin in London this month and it will then be open to their representatives to raise any question of the supply of goods and services from the United Kingdom over which she is experiencing difficulties.