HC Deb 12 May 1976 vol 911 cc205-6W
Mr. Michael McGuire

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Common- been made for the extension of trade with Vietnam; and if he will make a statement on the current trading position;

(2) what approaches he has made to the Government of Vietnam for information about the trading requirement of Vietnam; and what assistance has been given to British industry in the form of advice and guidance to assist with meeting those needs.

Mr. Meacher

My Department has recently discussed trade opportunities with the North Vietnamese Charge d'Affaires in London and is in touch with British firms who may be able to meet Vietnam's needs. As my hon. Friend was informed on 28th January, the British Ambassador in Hanoi is in contact with the Vietnamese about their trading requirement. Several firms are in detailed discussions and the number of British business visitors to Vietnam has increased in recent months. The level of trade in recent years was as follows:

wealth Affairs which divisions of his Department it is now proposed to disperse to Merseyside under the Hardman proposals, giving details of the numbers involved and the time phasing of such transfers; and in cases where a decision to disperse a particular section or sections to the Merseyside area has been agreed in principle but no decision taken on the recipient town or district, if he will seriously consider the claim of Skelmersdale New Town.

Mr. Hattersley

As announced by the then Lord President of the Council on 30th July 1974, 500 posts in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office will move to Merseyside. Current plans are that the move will be made in 1981. Identification of divisions to be dispersed has not yet been completed. All posts will go to Liverpool.