§ 27. Mr. de Freitasasked the President of the Board of Trade the value of Chinese orders for which export licences have been refused during the last two years for Lincoln-built marine engines similar to those which have previously been exported to China and which have been used in ordinary merchant ships engaged in river and coastal trade.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftOne export licence application referring to Lincoln-built engines has been refused. The value was £656,770.
§ Mr. de FreitasSince we have lost hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of orders already through this refusal, what does the President intend to do if we have the offer of further orders?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThis item is on the strategic list under the United Nations Resolution.
§ Mr. DraysonCan the President give an assurance that no other country which is a member of N.A.T.O. is allowed to export similar marine engines to China?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftAll other nations which are signatories to the Resolution follow the same rule, I understand.
§ Mr. BottomleyCannot the right hon. Gentleman do something about removing this restriction, bearing in mind that the very happy relationships established between British manufacturers and the Chinese trade delegation are being hampered by restrictions of this kind?
Mr. ThorneyeroftThe amendment of that Resolution raises much wider issues, including issues of foreign policy, which should be addressed to the Foreign Secretary.