Mr David Ginsburg: In connection with this publication, will the Minister reconfirm that Europe is now Britain's largest trading partner? Will he stress that withdrawal from the EC would constitute an economic disaster for this country?
Mr David Ginsburg: The Minister will recall the recommendation of the Cork committee on the appointment of an administrator in cases of insolvency. Would not that be a useful interim measure which the Government could carry into effect if they decided not to hold an early election arid needed legislation with which to carry on?
Mr David Ginsburg: asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement concerning the current aid programmes to India and Pakistan.
Mr David Ginsburg: I welcome the Minister's reply, which was most interesting and informative. Will he say whether the Government have any proposals to extend this help to rural communities by way of assistance to agriculture and irrigation and also to deal with malaria problems in the territories concerned?
Mr David Ginsburg: asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in reaching agreement on European Community finance; and if he will make a statement.
Mr David Ginsburg: Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that currency stability is an important condition for the resolving of the budgetary problem? Will he be prepared to make his contribution to resolving the problem by offering British entry into the European monetary system at what is still an extremely propitious moment?
Mr David Ginsburg: asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what number and value of blankets were bought for the overseas aid programme in the last year; and what are his plans for forthcoming years.
Mr David Ginsburg: I am pleased to hear that news, even though it is not complete. Is the Minister aware that Dewsbury makes excellent blankets and that there are many more available to enable the Government to fulfil the requirements of the disaster programme?
Mr David Ginsburg: Willy-nilly, I shall comply with your request, Mr. Deputy Speaker, to speak for only five minutes. Listening to the Minister, I did not recognise my constituency or the neighbouring area. That is not the record of achievement in our eyes. The hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, East (Mr. Prescott) might recognise that diagnosis is easier than cure. In what we say to our electors we must...
Mr David Ginsburg: Name him.
Mr David Ginsburg: Will the right hon. Gentleman accept that there is a genuine, cautious welcome for what he says about the need for export restraint by Japan and the agreement that has been reached and also for what he says about opening up the Japanese market? This is a very difficult market to penetrate. Will he consult the Secretary of State for Trade to see what more can be done to assist British firms to...
Mr David Ginsburg: Does the Prime Minister intend to call a general election for Thursday 17 May as that date features in the Minister's statement? More seriously, will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that there are no legal or expenditure problems which could arise if elections are held on that date? On the method of election, will the right hon. Gentleman recognise that the sense of disappointment resulting...
Mr David Ginsburg: asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government concerning economic aid to Angola.
Mr David Ginsburg: I join hon. Members in congratulating the right hon. Gentleman and also welcome his reply. Does he agree that there is scope for further aid to Angola, especially if the problem of the seven British detainees can be resolved? Will he accept that the cost to the Angolan Government of keeping seven British detainees in prison for 18 years must be considerable and that it would be within the...
Mr David Ginsburg: asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has any plans to visit Angola.
Mr David Ginsburg: Is the Minister aware that my constituent, Colin Evans, has already served a seven-year sentence there and so have the constituents of a number of hon. Members? Is he further aware that they have another 18 years to serve and that they could very easily become forgotten men? Will the Foreign Secretary consider doing what was successfully done by one of his predecessors, the right hon. Member...
Mr David Ginsburg: Will the Minister ask our ambassador to Moscow to convey to the new Soviet Administration the view that even a modest gesture towards human rights might be helpful in getting negotiations going on major security problems?
Mr David Ginsburg: asked the Minister for Trade when he expects to reach a conclusion on the recommendations of the Cork committee on insolvency.
Mr David Ginsburg: I welcome the Minister's reply, but is he aware that there is considerable disappointment that he has not made a definite commitment at least to incorporate legislation on the appointment of administrators so that in the current climate companies threatened with insolvency can be kept going and the workers employed?
Mr David Ginsburg: Has there not been a serious deterioration in invisible earnings, such as tourism? What steps does the Minister intend to take to improve the British tourist industry?