HC Deb 31 January 1955 vol 536 c671
17. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what international agreements he has entered into which prevent the shipping of rubber from Malaya and Singapore to China, although rubber is being shipped from Ceylon to China.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Anthony Nutting)

The export of rubber to China from the Federation of Malaya and Singapore was embargoed in pursuance of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution of 18th May, 1951. Ceylon is not a member of the United Nations.

Mr. Wyatt

Is it not time that these restrictions were revised? Does the Minister know that there is a considerable feeling in Malaya that there is a discrimination against them, while we are increasing our trade with China? They feel that the Government have not taken their interests into consideration.

Mr. Nutting

As the hon. Member knows, the Resolution was passed by the General Assembly of the United Nations and can be rescinded only by them. Meanwhile, Her Majesty's Government are honouring that Resolution.

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