HC Deb 07 February 1968 vol 758 cc111-2W
65. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the extent and nature of the trade between Aberdeen and Australia and New Zealand; what estimate he has made of the effect of devaluation on that trade; and what steps he has taken, or plans to take, since devaluation to protect and develop further that trade and the relevant trade communications.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody:

Exports from Aberdeen to Australia and New Zealand include machinery, knitwear, confectionery, fish and fish products, paints and varnishes. Only industry itself can assess the opportunities offered by devaluation for increasing the export of particular products to particular markets, but the full facilities of the Board of Trade are available to assist Aberdeen firms to exploit these opportunities.

66. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has taken during the last six months and what further steps he plans to take to improve trade communications between Aberdeen and European countries.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu:

The development of these services is a matter for the industries concerned in the exercise of their commercial judgment.