§ Mrs. Renee Shortasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about future arrangements 172W for trade with the German Democratic Republic in the light of the negotiations between the Confederation of British Industry and the German Democratic Republic Chamber of Foreign Trade.
§ Mr. Will Owenasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now announce the result of the trade talks with East Germany.
§ Mr. MasonNegotiations have today been concluded for a trade agreement between the Confederation of British Industry and the East German Chamber of Foreign Trade covering trade in the period 1970–72. I welcome this development and the indications that have been given that the conclusion of such an agreement should lead to the expansion of our trade with East Germany.
In view of the improved prospects for our exports to East Germany in 1970 and in accordance with the statement made by my predecessor on 2nd April last in reply to the Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Ashley) I have decided to extend to imports from East Germany, with effect from 1st January next, the liberalisation measures which already apply to imports from the Soviet Union and other East European countries.