HC Deb 18 May 1953 vol 515 cc1689-90
31. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Transport the nature of the controls and methods of inspection of ships' cargoes destined for China; and whether he is satisfied that such controls and inspection preclude the possibility of the shipment of war materials.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

All exports from the United Kingdom to China require licences from the Board of Trade and these are refused for goods of strategic importance. This control is reinforced by the usual Customs procedure. Ships registered in the United Kingdom and the Colonies are also precluded by the recent Orders from carrying goods of a strategic nature to China. I am satisfied as to the adequacy of these controls in preventing the shipment of war materials, but it would obviously not be in the public interest to disclose details of the administrative arrangements designed to enforce them.

Mr. Hamilton

Has the Minister conveyed that information to comrade McCarthy?