HC Deb 15 June 1954 vol 528 cc1721-2
29. Mr. Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to make a statement on the negotiations for a major relaxation of strategic controls on East-West trade.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. Heathcoat Amory)

No, Sir, not yet.

Mr. Swingler

In view of the many months during which the negotiations have been going on, can the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects to be able to take any action on the policy advocated by the Prime Minister?

Mr. Amory

I think it was at the end of March when my right hon. Friend said that he thought these investigations would take two or three months. I can only say that so far the work is fairly well up to timetable.