§ Sir R. Russellasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there was a decline in United Kingdom exports to India from £81.55 million worth in 1967 to £65.5 million in 1969; if he will state the reasons for this; and to what extent he estimates the decline is due to the Tripartite Agreement between India, the United Arab Republic and Yugoslavia.
§ Mrs. Gwyneth DunwoodyYes, I think this decline must be primarily attributed to India's shortage of free foreign exchange and need to use this for essential imports, particularly raw materials and foodstuffs which we do not supply. During our study of this problem, which included helpful discussions last year with the Indian Government, we have found no evidence that the Tripartite Agreement might be a contributory factor, though the position is being kept under review.