HC Deb 22 June 1954 vol 529 cc214-5
19. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will provide a list of the items on which the strategic ban on trade with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics or with China has been wholly or partially lifted since the conclusion of the cease-fire in Korea

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

In the case of the U.S.S.R., we have removed the embargo on the export of a few chemicals and certain parts of synthetic textile plant, and the quantitative restrictions on tinplate and natural rubber and on certain items in the field of machine tools, chemical equipment, chemicals and abrasives. In the case of China, we have lifted the embargo on small passenger cars and sodium peroxide, and the quantitative restrictions on antibiotics, sulphonamides and anti-malarial drugs.

26. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade what recent steps he has taken to increase the export of British cycles and motor-cycles to China.

Mr. Amory

The export of motorcycles to China is prohibited in pursuance of the United Nations Resolution of May. 1951. But pedal cycles may be freely exported to China and, as has been stated on many occasions, it is the Government's policy to encourage the export to China of non-strategic goods. The possibilities of trade depend, however, upon the policy of the Chinese Government.

Mr. Hughes

The Minister has already told the House that we are exporting small passenger cars to China. Can he explain why these small cars are of no strategic importance and motor cycles are?

Mr. Amory

The hon. Gentleman will know that motor cycles are quite common items of equipment in military formations.