§ 27. Sir R. THOMASasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what measures he has under consideration for stimulating British trade with the new China?
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HACKING (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)While my Department is anxious to see British firms participating to the full extent in any revival of trade with China, it is considered that, before any genera; statement can be made on this subject, a full appreciation of conditions in that country should be obtained. My Department is therefore in constant touch with its representatives in China with a view to obtaining such information.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs the hon. Gentleman aware that other manufacturing countries are already taking a very active interest in the trade of that country?
§ Mr. HACKINGThe hon. Member must not assume that we are not taking an active interest, because we are.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs the bon. Gentleman able to answer my question as to what he is doing to stimulate trade with the new China?
§ Mr. HACKINGIt might be equally difficult for other countries to answer that question.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs it not a fact that other countries are actually engaged in trading with the new China?
§ Mr. HACKINGAnd so are we.