Mr. M. MacMillanasked the President of the Board of Trade What official agencies, in addition to the Herring Industry Board, are now actively assisting in the promotion of trade with East Germany; and what are the commodities involved.
§ Sir D. EcclesNo official agencies for Her Majesty's Government deal with the East German authorities. The Federation of British Industries has recently made an unofficial trade arrangement with the East German Chamber of Foreign Trade for an exchange of some £7m. of various raw materials and manufactures each way. The negotiation of contracts to carry out this trade rests with private firms and other organisations such as the Herring Industry Board.