HC Deb 30 April 1951 vol 487 cc840-2
49. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will press in the United Nations for an embargo on all exports by member States of strategic materials to China or Northern Korea.

Mr. Younger

The General Assembly Resolution of 1st February provided for the establishment of a Good Offices Committee as well as an Additional Measures Committee. I cannot make any statement at this stage on the type of measures referred to by the hon. Member which might prejudice the work of either Committee or prejudge the issues.

Mr. Blackburn

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that since the start of the war in Korea this country has been supplying raw materials for war purposes to the Chinese who have been killing our soldiers and are killing our soldiers today? Is not that a most dishonourable practice for the hon. Gentleman's Government to put into effect? What action will immediately be taken to stop the supply to the Chinese of any raw materials which can be used for war?

Mr. Younger

I do not accept the statement made by the hon. Gentleman. A good many answers have been given and there have been debates on the subject of our policy and the control of raw materials. I am satisfied that now, as a result of the controls which we operate, no strategic raw materials of any significance go to the areas which have been mentioned.

Mr. Blackburn

The hon. Gentleman used the words "raw materials of any significance." Surely he should give an undertaking that no strategic raw materials, whatever the view may be of their significance, should be given to the Chinese while our boys are fighting against them in Korea.

Mr. Gammans

Does the hon. Gentleman's answer mean that there is no difference whatever between the policy adopted by this country regarding the supply of raw materials to China and that now being followed by the United States?

Mr. Younger

That is a different question. That is not the Question on the Order Paper, but I can say that in the sub-committee of the Additional Measures Committee, which has so far been going into the matter, there have been no substantial differences between us. We have been in constant discussion on the matter.

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