HC Deb 19 February 1963 vol 672 c21W
1. Sir L. Plummer

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking to ensure that Great Britain's relative share of East-West trade will not diminish during the present Common Market negotiations.

Mr. Green

In our annual negotiations with eastern area countries it is our aim to secure opportunities for a steady expansion of trade. In addition, the Board of Trade, and commercial officers abroad, as always, help British exporters to take advantage of these opportunities.

As to the state of the Common Market negotiations, I have nothing to add to the statements made by my right hon. Friends during the course of the debate last week.

55. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will invite Russia and Western European nations to send delegates to a European Conference in London or elsewhere to devise practical means for increasing between them trade and industrial expansion.

Mr. Green

No. My right hon. Friend is not satisfied that a conference on the lines proposed would lead to an increase in trade.

66. Mr. Oram

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to ensure that the opportunity caused by the ending of the Brussels negotiations is not lost, he will now invite East European governments to enter into longer term trade agreements with this country.

Mr. Green

No. Our present Five Year Agreement with the U.S.S.R. and Three Year Agreements with East European countries provide a satisfactory framework for the development of our trade with these countries.

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