HC Deb 14 May 1956 vol 552 cc1631-2
15. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent talks with the American Secretary of State about strategic controls on trade with China.

Mr. Nutting

No, Sir. These discussions are not yet concluded. In the meantime, however, more use will be made of the exceptions procedure to permit reasonable exports in appropriate cases to China of goods which are not on the Soviet lists.

Mr. Swingler

The Question referred to the talks which the Secretary of State had at the N.A.T.O. meeting with Mr. Dulles. Cannot the Minister make a statement at the moment about the progress of these discussions, which we know have been going on in a general way for many months? Have they not reached any conclusions?

Mr. Nutting

I have already answered the Question which the hon. Member has now repeated. I have said, "No, Sir. I am not prepared to make a statement about the talks with Mr. Dulles." The discussions are not yet concluded either with the United States or with other countries.

20. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further progress he can now report on international discussions regarding the ban on export of commercial vehicles to China.

Mr. Nutting

As I have just informed the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Swingler), the discussions about strategic controls on trade with China are not yet concluded.

Mr. Chapman

But does the Minister's earlier reply mean that the exceptions procedure will now be used to enable the export of commercial vehicles, because he gave an overall guarantee that that procedure was to be used to a greater extent?

Mr. Nutting

Yes, Sir. I did give that undertaking, but decisions as to what cases and what items will figure under the extended use of the exceptions procedure must be taken on the merits of the individual items concerned.

Dame Irene Ward

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that if we delay too long we may lose the Chinese market altogether?

Mr. Nutting

Yes, Sir, but I must also bear in mind that we must proceed in consultation with our friends and Allies.