§ Mr. Moonmanasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he will make a statement on the current position of the technical agreement between Her Majesty's Government and Bulgaria; and if he will take steps to ensure that it achieves the maximum scientific, trade and technical co-operation;
(2) if he will make a statement on the current position of the technical agreement between Her Majesty's Government and Romania; and if he will take steps to ensure that it achieves the maximum scientific, trade and technical co-operation;
(3) if he will make a statement on the current position of the technical agreement between Her Majesty's Government and Poland; and if he will take steps to ensure to ensure that it achieves the maximum scientific, trade and technical co-operation.
(4) if he will make a statement on the current position of the technical agreement between Her Majesty's Government and Czechoslovakia; and if he will take steps to ensure that it achieves the maximum scientific, trade and technical co-operation;
(5) if he will make a statement on the current position of the technical agreement between Her Majesty's Government and Hungary; and if he will take steps to ensure that it achieves the maximum scientific, trade and technical co-operation.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe Agreements for Co-operation in the Fields of Applied Science and Technology concluded with Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland and Romania at various dates between March 1967 and February 1969 have all been extended for a further five years beyond their initial five-tear term.
Since 1972 further long-term agreements covering all forms of economic, industrial, scientific and technological co-operation, have been concluded with each of these countries, except Bulgaria. A similar agreement with Bulgaria was initialled earlier this month and is due to be signed shortly.
403WActive measures are constantly pursued by my Department, in consultation with the Department of Industry and other relevant Departments, and also of course with British industry, to encourage and assist the development of mutually beneficial economic, industrial, scientific and technological co-operation between British firms and organisations and the enterprises and organisations of the countries covered by my hon. Friend's Questions In addition, joint commissions have been established with each of these countries. The main objects of the joint commissions are to identify the particular areas of interest to both sides for co-operation and to review progress under the various agreements. The joint commissions meet annually. The British side in all cases includes representatives of British industry with special knowledge and experience of trade and co-operation with the countries of Eastern Europe.
I intend to ensure that we continue to take all possible steps to encourage these forms of co-operation with each of these countries with the overall objective of increasing our mutual trade.