HC Deb 28 July 1953 vol 518 cc136-7W
129. Mr. Erroll

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the prospects of developing trade between the United Kingdom and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, with special reference to heavy engineering equipment.

Mr. Mackeson

Her Majesty's Government have stated on several occasions that they are anxious to see an increase in trade with the U.S.S.R. in non-strategic goods. There are many engineering goods which do not fall within our strategic controls and there is nothing to prevent the Soviet Government from placing orders.

133. Mr. Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a further statement about the negotiations between his Department and the Soviet Trade Delegation on the proposed exchange of Soviet matches for British textiles.

Mr. Mackeson

Yes. Agreement has been reached with the Soviet Trade Delegation in London that Her Majesty's Government will during the next twelve months issue import licences for Russian matches up to a total value of £500,000. In return the Soviet Trade Delegation have agreed to place orders in the United Kingdom for an equal value of woollen and worsted piece goods.