§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Trade what discussions have been held with the Government of Pakistan about the possibility of United Kingdom technological and financial investment in that country directed to Middle Eastern markets.
§ Mr. ShoreDuring talks in London in January, Pakistan officials mentioned their Government's interest in securing British participation in industrial ventures directed towards export though not aimed specifically at Middle Eastern markets.
18Wmate of the trend in world commodity prices; and if he will set out in tabular form current prices of leading commodities, giving his estimate of the trend in prices in six months' time in every case.
§ Mr. ShoreWorld export prices of primary commodities and non-ferrous metals, measured in sterling terms, have roughly doubled during the 12 months ended February, though there was probably little overall change between January and February. Estimates of prices in six months' time are not available: forecasting prices of primary commodities is hazardous even in aggregate, and subject to large error in the case of individual commodities. Prices of many commodities vary very widely according to grade and delivery terms. Average world export prices are not available, but recent producers' or United Kingdom market prices for specific grades of a number of leading commodities are given in the accompanying table.