§ Lord BARNBYasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the reported sale to Soviet Russia of £100 million worth of engines by Rolls-Royce Limited is encouraged by the British Government when the balance of trade is currently in Soviet Russia's favour; and what are the proposed terms of payment for this sale.
Lord ORAMHer Majesty's Government welcome the recently announced order from the Soviet Union for gas compressor units based on the Avon industrial engine and would like to see further major orders placed by the Soviet Union in this country soon. The British companies which have been awarded this business received every help and encouragement from Her Majesty's Government during their negotiations. Eventual deliveries under the contract should help to improve our balance of trade with the Soviet Union. The terms of payment are a matter for the commercial organisations involved.
House adjourned at seven-teen minutes before eight o'clock.