§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Minister of Technology what representations he made in Moscow about the present 81W adverse balance in British trade with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and what progress he made towards the securing of Soviet orders for British automative equipment for the new car plants, Toglialti and Ijevsk.
§ Mr. BennThe purpose of my recent visit to the U.S.S.R. was not to discuss the current trading balance but to review the Anglo-Soviet Technological Agreement in accordance with the provisions of that Agreement. I took the opportunity to impress on the Soviet authorities how much British technology has to offer over a very wide field, including that of the automotive industry. These technological links with the U.S.S.R. will, certainly, contribute in a practical manner to the opening up of further opportunities for British industry in the development of Anglo-Soviet trade.