HC Deb 20 October 1966 vol 734 cc68-9W
20. Sir C. Osborne

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the fact that imports from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for the first six months of 1966 amounted to £45,537,000, whereas exports were only £26,964,000, what new steps he is taking to increase trade both ways, and to close the gap by greater export of British consumer goods; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Jay

Our exports over the first nine months of 1966 were 17 per cent. more than in the same period last year. Our exports of consumer goods shared in this increase. Means of expanding Anglo-Soviet trade are under constant attention, and I look forward to a continuing increase in the scale of Soviet purchases from us.