HC Deb 12 February 1963 vol 671 c161W
102. Mr. Fitch

asked the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to increase imports of Russian oil; and if he will make a statement.

110. Dr. Dickson Mabon

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Her Majesty's Government has now decided to allow the importation of some Russian oil as a means of helping the British shipbuilding industry to secure orders from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Mr. Bottomley

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the official offer of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to trade oil for ships to be made in the North-East shipyards.

Mr. Green

A delegation from the Soviet Ship-purchasing Corporation has recently been visiting shipyards in this country and has made inquiries about purchasing several types of vessel. Reports have appeared in the Press that orders would not be placed unless we imported some Russian oil.

The Soviet Government have not so far made any firm proposal for a specific transaction on these lines. The Russians have indeed made it clear that they are as much concerned with the terms of the tenders as with the question of oil sales. But if they do make such a proposal we shall be prepared to consider it on its merits even though this might involve the importation of a limited quantity of fuel oil.