HC Deb 15 February 1955 vol 537 cc173-4
19. Mr. Page

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, pending agreement upon a revised strategic list relating to shipbuilding for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, he is satisfied that Western European countries and Japan are observing the restrictions of the present strategic list; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. H. Strauss

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." On the general question, my right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Page

Can my hon. and learned Friend confirm or otherwise the reports that ships built in Western Germany for Soviet Russia are exceeding the limit laid down under the strategic list? Secondly, can he say whether new arrangements are on foot for a meeting of the countries concerned to revise this strategic list?

Mr. Strauss

If my hon. Friend is referring to the ship which he recently mentioned in a question, I am advised that that ship was not of a kind to be subject to the embargo. Questions upon ships, however, should be addressed to the First Lord of the Admiralty.

Mr. H. Wilson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when a Question was put to the First Lord of the Admiralty he said that we must ask the Board of Trade? Will the hon. and learnedGentleman—who seems to be the only Member in the House who is not aware of what is going on in Germany—tell the House when we can expect to get some changes made in the strategic list for ships? It was on 26th July last that the President of the Board of Trade said that agreement had not yet been reached. Now, seven months later, will the hon. and learned Gentle-man tell us whether discussions are even proceeding?

Mr. Strauss

I do not agree with the right hon. Gentleman. I think he will see that the Question in regard to which my hon. Friend was advised to question the Board of Trade was a different one. As regards the strategic list, I have nothing to add to my original answer.