HC Deb 08 November 1954 vol 532 cc109-10W
Mr. L. Thomas

asked the President of the Board of Trade to make a statement about the visit of a trade mission to Egypt.

Mr. Low

My right hon. Friend has decided to send a trade mission of prominent businessmen to visit Egypt, the Sudan and Ethiopia early next year. The Governments of all three countries have said that they will welcome the mission. Its task will be to study the requirements of these countries, the ways in which British industry and commerce can assist in their development, and the opportunities open to us to expand our trade with them. The mission will be in a position to convey to them our desire and our ability to help them with their industrial problems.

I am glad to say that Sir Edward Benthall, who led a similar mission to other Middle East countries in 1953 with such distinction and success, has accepted my right hon. Friend's invitation to lead the mission in Egypt and the Sudan and that Mr. G. C. R. Eley has agreed to lead it in Ethiopia. The composition of the remainder of the mission is nearing completion and I hope to be able to announce further details within a few days.