HC Deb 18 May 1953 vol 515 cc1667-8
3. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many ships under British ownership have been engaged in trading with Communist countries since Korean hostilities began; how many of these ships have also been engaged in carrying Mutual Security Agency cargoes from the United States of America to European ports; whether he is aware of American resentment on this matter; and what consultations have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and the United States Government on the question.

Mr. Nutting

I am advised by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport that the information requested in the first two parts of the Question could not be made available without lengthy research. Consultations with the United States and other Governments have been taking place for some considerable time on the control of the export of strategic goods to the Soviet bloc, and, in particular, on the application of the terms of the United Nations Resolution covering trade with China. These consultations have been concerned with the definition of strategic goods and the methods of their control. No consultations have taken place on the question of trade in non-strategic goods.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the Minister aware that specific accusations have been made about this in the McCarthy investigation committee? Is he further aware that certain responsible bodies in the United States are now talking, to quote from the "New York Times" of 5th May, about a "hard fisted policy" in regard to this question? Will the Minister undertake to refuse to acquiesce in a policy of a complete embargo on trade with China.

Mr. Nutting

If the hon. Gentleman will read—if I may invite him to do so with all humility—the speech which I made in reply to the debate on the Prayer about China trade the other night in the House I think he will be satisfied that all we are doing is completely in accord with the letter and the spirit of the United Nations' resolution governing trade in strategic materials for China. We have no intention of imposing a complete embargo on trade in non-strategic goods.