§ Mr. KnapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions are being held with the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany regarding opportunities for British firms to compete with West German firms in tendering for contracts in the former German Democratic Republic.
§ Mr. RedwoodIn our recent contracts with the Governments of both the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic both have repeatedly stressed their wish to see British firms extend their activities in the East German market. My own visit to East Berlin last month with a delegation of British business men took forward the process of British involvement. A number of invitations were secured to pursue business opportunities and to submit plans and tenders for work. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of40W State expects to meet his West German opposite number, Dr Haussmann, in Berlin on 17 September, accompanied by teams of top-level business men. Discussions will focus on the opportunities for Anglo-German trade and co-operation in central and eastern Europe with particular reference to the German Democratic Republic, and on the single market.