HC Deb 16 December 1952 vol 509 cc1192-3
39. Mr. Rankin

asked the President of the Board of Trade why a licence to export to China 20,000 feet of manilla rope for slings was refused by his Department.

Mr. Mackeson

Manilla rope is of strategic importance and it is contrary to the policy of Her Majesty's Government to permit such exports to China at present.

Mr. Bottomley

Has the President of the Board of Trade considered inviting a trade mission from China to talk about ways of developing trade between our two countries?

Mr. Mackeson

That is a different question.