§ 32. Sir C. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development in view of the fact that exports to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics of fish and fish preparations for the first nine months of 1963 amounted to £243,061 whereas imports were £1,397,382, what steps he is taking to increase British exports more nearly to those of the Soviet; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HeathWe have frequently stressed the importance of achieving a closer balance between Soviet purchases from us and Soviet sales to us. There has been a considerable improvement so far this year in the overall balance.
There is however no reason why the inward and outward trade in fish and fish preparations should be in balance taken on their own.