HC Deb 14 May 1956 vol 552 cc1623-4
4. Mr. Collins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now review the list of manufactured goods and materials, the export of which is prohibited on strategic grounds, in the light of the White Paper on the talks with the Soviet leaders.

Mr. Nutting

The scope of the list of items under embargo for the Soviet bloc is based on security considerations and is under continuous review in consultation with our Allies. No question of special action therefore arises.

Mr. Collins

In view of the fact that about one-third of Russia's prospective purchases are on the strategic list and the relevance of many of them to modern warfare is extremely doubtful, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that a review of the list now might increase the scope of our trade with Russia?

Mr. Nutting

The important thing is to get on with the two-thirds—if it is two-thirds—of the Soviet list which is free of restriction. The Board of Trade is already in touch with the Soviet trade office in London on that matter.

Mr. Robens

if the Soviet strategic list is reviewed without at the same time reviewing the China list, will not the Government be in danger of making this country and other countries look extremely ridiculous? Would not the result be that we would be able to supply China via Russia instead of direct?

Mr. Nutting

There are later Questions on the China list and I should not wish to anticipate them.

Mr. Fell

Does the continuous review of prohibited goods to which my right hon. Friend referred take into account the great deal of "know-how" that has been gained behind the Iron Curtain, and is the prohibition lifted on goods when we realise that they have the "know-how"?

Mr. Nutting

Such matters are, of course, taken into account. As my hon. Friend will recollect, a substantial reduction in the security controls on trade with the Soviet bloc was carried out in 1954 as a result of the review of the list carried out by the Paris Consultative Group and Her Majesty's Government at that time.

12. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will propose further talks on mutual trade and improved relations between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Her Majesty's Government at an early date.

Mr. Nutting

We have just had an extensive and valuable exchange of views with the Soviet leaders. The task now is to follow up and see what progress can be made on the subjects covered by the joint statement issued after the talks. The Board of Trade are already in touch with the Soviet Trade Representative in London about the Russian programme of purchases.

Mr. Shinwell

May we have an assurance that nothing which has happened recently will stand in the way of further talks in order to promote greater understanding with the Soviet Union? In addition to the proposed activities of the President of the Board of Trade, is anything being done by the Foreign Office through diplomatic channels to restore relations which may have been disturbed?

Mr. Nutting

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that nothing which has happened recently, or which happened during the visit, will prevent us from having further talks.