§ 65. Mr. P. Thorneycroftasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that on 9th December, 1950, the United States Department of Commerce placed an embargo, to take effect immediately, on all United States ships transporting or discharging cargoes of strategic materials to ports in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the Russian satellite countries in Europe, and the mainland of China; and how far His Majesty's Government are proposing to take similar action with regard to British ships.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesHis Majesty's Government are fully aware of the policy of the United States Administration in controlling the export and shipment of strategic materials to undesirable destinations. Similar action has not been considered necessary in the case of British ships, but the export of strategic materials from the United Kingdom to all destinations other than the Commonwealth, the Colonies and the United States of America is subject to export licensing.
§ Mr. GammansWould the hon. Gentleman say to what extent the exports of rubber to China have increased in the last few months?
§ Mr. DaviesThat does not quite arise out of this Question and I cannot give a detailed answer in that respect.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftCan the hon. Gentleman say whether there is a limit to the extent to which this country can benefit from taking markets which have been abandoned by the United States of America under this policy for what they regard as national security reasons?
§ Mr. DaviesI think the hon. Gentleman is under a misapprehension. We are imposing restrictions on the export of strategic materials at present. [HON. MEMBERS: "Rubber?"] Including rubber.*
§ Mr. EcclesDoes the Government refuse export licences for the same list of materials as is included in the United States ban on shipment?
§ Mr. DaviesI would want notice of that question.
§ * See Columns 732–733, 30th January, 1951.