§ 64. Mr. Benceasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will consider adding to the staff of Her Majesty's Embassy in Moscow a trade representative with technical experience of the engineering industry.
§ Lord John HopeAs the hon. Member is aware, there is no private trade of any significance in the Soviet Union and there is accordingly much less scope than in other countries for the employment of a commercial officer on the staff of Her Majesty's Embassy. Moreover, many representatives of engineering firms are able to visit Moscow and make direct contact with the Soviet Organisations concerned. Her Majesty's Government are, however, watching the position, and if developments show that the appointment of a commercial officer would be useful they are prepared to consider it.