§ 35. Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on United Kingdom trade with Russia.
§ Mr. McLoughlinUnited Kingdom exports to the countries of the former Soviet Union amounted to £295 million in the first five months of this year, a rise of 93 per cent. over the same period last year—£153 million. About 70 per cent. of these exports are to Russia.
Despite this encouraging news, the Russian market remains primarily suitable for larger companies able to bear the costs and risks involved, and for those companies already established there. Nevertheless, there can be opportunities for traders of all sizes and for medium and smaller companies where a niche exists for them or where they can act as subcontractors.