HC Deb 29 November 1955 vol 546 cc2093-4
6. Mr. Parkin

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that Japan is exporting galvanised sheets to China, he will now permit a similar concession to British manufacturers.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Yes, Sir, in similar or other special circumstances a similar concession would be permitted to British manufacturers.

Mr. Parkin

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this announcement will give considerable satisfaction, since it is hoped that this deal between Japan and China will give a lead to concessions for manufacturers in this country, who represent industries with a traditional right to a share in an important world market? May I express the hope that, for example, the concession would extend to generators?

7. Mr. Parkin

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what dates, and after what consultations, the list of goods banned for export to China was modified; and what items were altered.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Platform and fork-lift trucks were added to the embargo list in April, 1953. The embargo on ordinary passenger cars and on sodium peroxide was removed in October, 1953. These changes were made after consultation with the other members of the Consultative Group in Paris.

Mr. Parkin

Will the President of the Board of Trade recognise that when the original list was drawn up in the implementation of this country's obligations under the United Nations Resolution there was no obligation on our part to consult anyone else? Will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that, if there are now such consultations, that arrangement has been entered into since and is not in any way stemming from the original Resolution, which was to shorten hostilities in Korea?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I think the questions of the list and the amendment of it are for the Foreign Office, but they do stem from the United Nations Resolution. We have agreed with these other nations to draw up an agreed list and alter it by negotiation.