HC Deb 03 March 1953 vol 512 c186
35. Dr. Stross

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a further statement on the refusal to allow export licences to British firms for the sale of sulpha and antibiotic drugs to China.

Mr. Mackeson

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave the hon. Member on 16th December. The discussions to which I referred in that answer are still proceeding.

Dr. Stross

As some time has elapsed since 16th December, when the hon. Gentleman said that active discussions were in progress with Western Germany and other European countries, can he say whether the £2 million contract, of which the first portion was £500,000, has now been sent by Western Germany to China or not?

Mr. Mackeson

I am not certain about the last part of the hon. Member's question. With regard to the first part, we have made some progress, but there are a number of countries involved in what is a very complicated matter.