HL Deb 22 May 1980 vol 409 c1094WA
Lord MERRIVALE

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (a) what has been the outcome of recent talks between Dr. Delfin Ugarte Centurion, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Republic of Paraguay and the Government;
  2. (b) whether these talks included the promotion of industries processing raw materials and electro-intensive industries and the extension of the Paraguayan railway system; and
  3. (c) to what extent assistance, in the form of British technology, was discussed.

Lord TREFGARNE

The opportunity was taken to make a general review of our commercial relations with Paraguay. The programme provided for discussion on all sectors of industry, including those mentioned in the Question, where opportunities exist for the United Kingdom to participate in Paraguay's development. The projects concerned all involve high technology but the transfer of technology is a matter for the individual companies who own it.