§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Trade how often he and/or his fellow Ministers in the Department, have visited Israel since the present Government took office; what steps have been taken to encourage trade, with Israel; and with what results.
§ Mr. ParkinsonThe then Under-Secretary of State for Trade visited Israel in June 1980, and I also visited Israel in October 1980.
The normal range of British Overseas Trade Board services are available to British exporters to Israel, and the British overseas trade group for Israel, under the chairmanship of Mr. Jessel Harrison, has organised a number of missions to Israel and seminars on trade with Israel. The United Kingdom-Israeli joint committee, comprising representatives from both sides, meets regularly to discuss matters relating to trade between the two countries.
In 1980, United Kingdom exports to Israel were £231 million, and imports from Israel were £236 million.