HC Deb 10 May 1950 vol 475 cc381-2
60. Major Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for what reasons he recently broke off trade negotiations with the Hungarian Government; and whether he is satisfied that the breaking off of negotiations achieved the desired effect.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Davies)

His Majesty's Government suspended trade negotiations with the Hungarian Government to mark their displeasure at the treatment of Mr. Sanders, and I am satisfied that the lesson was not lost.

Major Beamish

Is the Under-Secretary aware that this action was a complete departure from stated Government policy, and a very sensible departure indeed; and will he say whether it means that His Majesty's Government will now look into the whole question of our trade with Communist countries and bear in mind that there is an important political content in that trade?

Mr. Davies

No, Sir. I have answered the Question on the Order Paper, and the question which the hon. and gallant Gentleman has now put is not one which can be answered arising out of that.