HC Deb 17 July 1956 vol 556 cc1027-8
33. Mr. Sorensen

asked the President of the Board of Trade the present restrictions on the export of rubber tyres from the United Kingdom to the Communist countries; and if Her Majesty's Government will further relax those restrictions.

Mr. Low

The export to the Soviet bloc of certain specialised heavy tyres with potential military uses is subject to embargo. The details were published in the Board of Trade Journal on 16th October, 1954. As to China, all types of tyres, other than those used for pedal cycles and scooters, are subject to embargo, but applications for export licences will be examined on their merits under the exceptions procedure. As regards the relaxation of the controls, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given on 14th May by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to the hon. Member for Shoreditch and Finsbury (Mr. Collins) and the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Swingler).

Mr. Sorensen

Can information be given regarding the lighter types of tyre other than those to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred? In view of the easing of the embargo on the export of rubber from Malaya, does it not follow that there should be corresponding easements in the export of these lighter tyres from this country to these Communist areas?

Mr. Low

When the hon. Gentleman has considered my rather full Answer, I think he will see that I have gone a long way to allay his anxieties.