§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Derbyshire, West (Mr. Parris) on 8 July, what evidence he has for stating that commercial and economic relations offer a natural opportunity for better relations with Argentina in relation to the Falkland Islands.
§ Mr. RentonThe answer referred to by the hon. Member placed our action on imports from Argentina in the general context of restoring more normal relations between Britain and Argentina.
As my right hon. and learned Friend told the House on 14 March, at column 498, both countries have a clear interest in improved trade. Both the Argentine Government and the IMF have stressed the need for Argentina to increase her exports. The removal of restrictions on trade would help to restore confidence between our two Governments and peoples.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 8 July to the hon. Member for Derbyshire, West (Mr. Parris) if he will estimate the benefits to employment in the United Kingdom to be derived from the lifting of restrictions on trade between the United Kingdom and Argentina.
514W
§ Mr. RentonOur decision to lift the restrictions on imports from Argentina into the United Kingdom should have a beneficial effect on employment among importers and users of Argentine raw materials whose business had suffered as a result of the embargo. If, as we hope, the Argentine Government take reciprocal action, benefits to employment should be correspondingly greater. At this early stage the extent of these benefits cannot be quantified.