§ 38. Mr. Rankinasked the President of the Board of Trade what items on the list which the China National Import-Export Board wished to purchase in this country and which was submitted to the Board of Trade on 2nd October, 1952, were refused a licence for export; and why.
§ Mr. MackesonIt is not possible without research to identify particular applications for export licences as relating to orders placed by the China National Import-Export Board. I can say, however, that of the items in this list, which was circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT Of 10th February in reply to a Question by the hon. Member, all but half-a-dozen would be refused export licences, either under the embargo imposed on certain exports to China in accordance with the United Nations Resolution of May, 1951, or, in a few cases, because the goods are scarce and we need them for our own use.
§ Mr. RankinCan the Minister tell us why the number of items on the list of goods which may not be exported to China has increased so much during the past year? Is he not aware that the list now greatly exceeds that suggested by the United Nations organisation in the Resolution to which he refers?
§ Mr. MackesonI could not accept that statement without looking into the matter. Broadly speaking, these are 1905 strategic goods which both this Government and the previous Government agreed not to export.
§ Mr. RankinIs the Minister not aware that in many cases these goods which we refuse to export are being supplied to China from within the Commonwealth? Is he aware that Manila rope is an example of what I mean.
§ Mr. MackesonWe are not exporting Manila rope because we need it ourselves. The refusal in that case is not for strategic reasons.
§ Mr. BottomleyAre we able to get from China the goods which we require?
§ Mr. MackesonNo, Sir. There are quite a number of things which we cannot get.