HC Deb 15 March 1948 vol 448 cc1683-4
17. Major Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied that His Majesty's Government Is not a party to any trade agreements calculated to increase the war potential of Communist-dominated countries in Europe in relation to the war potential of the democracies, and if he will give an assurance that His Majesty's Government will not enter into any such agreements.

Mr. Mayhew

Warlike material of every kind requires an export licence under Group 17 of the Export of Goods (Control) Order, 1947. Nothing in this group has been or would be included in any trade agreement with a Communist-dominated country.

Major Beamish

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a very considerable body of pro-British sentiment in the United States has expressed very grave anxiety on this particular point, and would he say whether that anxiety is unnecessary?

Mr. Mayhew

I have explained the position in my reply.

Mr. Gallacher

On a point of Order. There is a point on which I should like your Ruling, Mr. Speaker. When an hon. Member on this side of the House quoted feeling in France he was called out of Order, but when an hon. Member on the other side quotes feeling in America, it seems to be quite in Order.

Mr. Speaker

I hope the hon. Member is not making any reflection on me; if so he himself is quite out of Order.

Mr. Donner

Would the Minister say whether the Foreign Secretary approves of the inclusion of large quantities of war potential in the Anglo-Soviet trade agreement?

Mr. Mayhew

The goods I have mentioned are covered in the Export of Goods (Control) Order, but it depends on the definition. Almost any form of trade can be regarded as increasing the war potential of a country, and the policy of this Government is to increase trade with Eastern Europe.

Mr. Donner

But did the Foreign Secretary approve of the draft of the Anglo-Soviet Treaty?