HC Deb 28 January 1954 vol 522 cc1950-1
34. Mr. de Freitas

asked the President of the Board of Trade in view of the potential importance of this market to the United Kingdom, what information has been received as to the volume and nature of trade between Japan and China in goods of United States origin, the export of which, from the United Kingdom to China has, at any time, been banned on the ground that the goods are of strategic importance

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I have caused inquiries to be made and I have found no evidence of any trade in strategic goods of United States origin between Japan and China.

Mr. de Freitas

What is the President doing now, urgently, to see that we are not being left behind in reopening trade with China?

Mr. Thorneycroft

As this Question referred specifically to the past and supplies of strategic goods of American origin through Japan, and as many allegations had been made, I am very happy to say that there is no evidence whatever that these goods had, in fact, been supplied.

Mr. de Freitas

If the right hon. Gentleman reads the Question carefully he will see that it states: in view of the potential importance of this market… I ask him, what he is now doing, urgently, in this matter?

Mr. Gaitskell

Can the Minister give any further information about the allegation that American motor cars were being sold in China?

Mr. Thorneycroft

It appears to be completely without foundation.