HC Deb 29 January 1948 vol 446 cc1183-4
34. Mr. Piratin

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that British manufacturers are desirous of doing trade with the liberated areas of China; and what steps he will take to facilitate such economic possibilities.

Mr. H. Wilson

I am aware that British manufacturers are desirous of trading with all parts of China, including those areas which were occupied by the Japanese and are now liberated from them. The customary facilities for British traders are available within the framework of our general export policy, but if the hon. Member has any particular difficulty in mind which might call for special steps to be taken, perhaps he will let me know.

Mr. Piratin

I will take advantage of that and get into touch with my right hon. Friend. Do the customary facilities to which the Minister refers apply to the liberated areas or only to the Chunking Government, which has no control over the liberated areas?

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not the case that British manufacturers or traders would have to get consent from America before they could deal with the liberated areas of China?

Hon. Members

No.

Mr. Gallacher

Yes.

Major Beamish

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, since he has answered this Question, what he understands by the words "liberated areas of China"? Which parts of China are they?

Mr. Wilson

To avoid causing any difficulties, since the phrase has already been used by the hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. Piratin), I would prefer to have notice of that question.

Mr. W. Fletcher

Do the words "liberated areas" cover the reoccupied areas now under Communist control?