HC Deb 05 June 1939 vol 348 c15
22. Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, under the scheme of export credits to China, purchases and sales were tendered for openly by existing British trading interests in Great Britain and China; and, if not, what method was adopted and for what reason?

Mr. R. S. Hudson (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

I am not quite clear to what transactions my hon. and gallant Friend refers. The question of the method of purchase is primarily a matter for the Chinese Government.

Sir A. Knox

Is there any truth in the rumour that the Export Credits Department advised the Chinese Advisory Committee to deal entirely with the organisation called Trade Facilities, Limited, of which the chairman is Mr. Serge Karlinski: and why were the interests of British traders in China, who have recently been hard hit, disregarded?

Mr. Hudson

The hon. and gallant Member was good enough to send me a memorandum which formed the basis of his question, and I have looked into it and find that most of the statements arc entirely unfounded and a large number are deliberate misrepresentations.

Sir A. Knox

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

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