HC Deb 07 February 1951 vol 483 cc1732-3
32. Mr. Thomas Reid

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what settlement has been effected with the United States regarding its prohibition of exports to Hong Kong.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Negotiations are now proceeding with the U.S. Government in Washington and I am not, at present, in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Reid

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the United States consulted us before imposing this prohibition?

Mr. Griffiths

I should like to have notice of that question. I would rather refrain from any comment while the negotiations are pending.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Is the Minister aware that the United States Government are being very fair-minded in this matter, allowing imports which are to be used in Hong Kong to go through while taking proper precautions in the case of those which may pass into hostile hands?

Mr. Harrison

Is my right hon. Friend aware of any regulations made by the colonial authority in Hong Kong about imports from this country as envisaged in this Question?

Mr. Griffiths

That is another question.