HC Deb 09 February 1983 vol 36 c381W

There was no improvement in Soviet and east European compliance with provisions relating to business working conditions and economic information. Resident business men in Moscow and elsewhere continued to face difficulties over their working and living conditions. The severe reduction in direct dialling telephone links to and from the Soviet Union further inhibited commercial contacts, including contacts with parent offices.

Economic statistics are published only selectively. The Soviet Union continues to omit some important items—for example, data on grain harvests—the German Democratic Republic publishes little economic information; while Poland has announced measures which could lead to a more restrictive reporting system.