§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he will make a statement on his recent conversations with Mr. Patolichev, the Russian Minister of Foreign Trade, with particular reference to the imports and exports carried by the Russian ships which periodically visit the port of Aberdeen and also to the prospects of increasing the existing trade between Russia and north-east Scotland.
§ Mr. D. PriceAs a result of negotiations with the Soviet Minister of Foreign Trade a Protocol was signed on 23rd April for the prolongation of the 1959 Anglo-Soviet Trade Agreement for a further five years ending 30th June, 1969. Mr. Patolichev undertook that the Soviet authorities would continue to take the necessary measures to increase their purchases of United Kingdom goods so as to achieve a much closer balance in the trade between our two countries. Since the Soviet Union has had a substantially favourable balance in her trade with us, this will provide increased opportunities in the Soviet 107W market for United Kingdom exporters, including those in the North-East of Scotland.
§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he is aware that large numbers of vessels arrive in Aberdeen from Russian ports to discharge wood pulp, pyrites, apatite ore, timber and other cargoes, but that there is no outward traffic from Aberdeen to Russian ports, and that this is an export loss to Scotland and a waste of fuel and manpower to both Russia and Scotland; and if he will take steps to ascertain the cause of this and to encourage Scottish exports to Russia in the interest of British trade in general and Scottish trade, industry and employment.
§ Mr. D. PriceI would refer the hon. and learned Member to my reply to his Question for Written Answer today. Exporters of Scottish goods to Russia can be relied on to ship them by the cheapest and most convenient route.