§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied that the present level of compensation trade deals with COMECON nations is compatible with the objectives of the Government's industrial strategy.
§ Mr. MeacherI will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he will seek to persuade the EEC Commission to publish full details of compensation trading deals and plant contract arrangements with COMECON nations;
(2) what discussions he has had with the EEC Commission regarding the monitoring of compensation trading deals and plant contract arrangements with COMECON nations.
(3) if he will be publishing details of compensation trade deals between COMECON countries and British companies.
§ Mr. MeacherI will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade what consultations he has had with the Trades Union Council about whether compensation trade deals with COMECON countries are in the best interests of its members.
§ Mr. MeacherI will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
§ Mr. David Huntasked the Secretary of State for Trade what steps he is taking to monitor the increasing market share captured by COMECON liners and the consequent damage to British shipping in accordance with the Community decision; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe Department of Trade will respond to the decision by using its well established system for monitoring the cargo carried by the Soviet merchant fleet, and other third flag carriers, on our direct trades. This will be supplemented by additional information obtained from carriers operating on the trade routes to East Africa and Central America.