§ 32. Mr. Wallasked the President of the Board of Trade what are the reasons for the decline in British trade with South Africa; and what steps he is taking to improve the position.
§ Mr. CroslandOur exports to South Africa in 1968 were £261 million compared with £258 million in 1967. Our share of the South African market has been declining since 1958. It is not possible to identify with certainty the many factors which may account for this trend, which is also evident in other of our traditional sterling area markets. But they include increased competition from other Western countries and a growth in local manufacture by British companies. Exports to South Africa are encouraged and assisted by the official services and through the B.N.E.C. Southern Africa Export Committee.