HC Deb 24 January 1980 vol 977 cc310-1W
Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will issue a directive to the Export Credits Guarantee Department to discontinue forthwith negotiations for provision of credit to finance the sale of $30 million of barley to Poland in view of the United States Government's embargo on grain sales to the USSR.

Mr. Parkinson

The decision to supply grain to Poland was taken in August last year. In common with our Allies, including the United States, we are continuing to supply grain to Poland while taking steps to ensure that such sales are not diverted to the USSR.

In these circumstances it would not be appropriate to withdraw ECGD support for these exports.