HC Deb 08 April 1957 vol 568 cc806-8
11. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the widespread disquiet in this country, he will agree to submit a full report to the House on the operations of the Paris Consultative Group and its organs.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The Paris Consultative Group is an advisory body consisting of representatives of various countries who consult together with a view to harmonising and co-ordinating the security export controls. The proceedings are confidential, but it has no executive functions and the controls are operated by decisions of the member Governments. As the Group and its committees are primarily a forum in which the views of Governments on problems with a strategic content can be frankly expressed so that individual Governments may take their decisions in full knowledge of the views of their friends and allies, it would not be appropriate for their proceedings to be made public.

Mr. Rankin

Is this organisation not really a sort of modern Star Chamber of Government officials meeting in Paris and carrying on their activities in such a way that neither Parliament nor any other public agency gets to know what is going on? Is it not the case that in our trading relationships with China and other countries we follow the guidance offered by this secret committee?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

No, we listen to the views expressed in the committee, but we are not bound by the decisions of the committee. The committee has no executive functions, and, if the hon. Gentleman wants a full statement on exactly how this organisation works, I would refer him to the statement made by the then Minister of State, Lord Reading, on 10th November, 1953.

Mr. Swingler

As the Minister has stated that we wish to maintain a common front with our allies on this subject, would he tell the House how many of the Governments which send representatives to the Paris Consultative Group are now in favour of relaxing control on trade with China and how many are in favour of retaining it?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

No, Sir.

12. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information he normally supplies to the Paris Consultative Group concerning the activities of British firms trading with China; and if he will now withhold such information pending the reaching of international agreement on removal of restrictions on trade with China.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

No information concerning British firms as such is supplied to the Consultative Group. In accordance with the procedures of that body, we supply information on a confidential basis, about particular exports. I do not believe that the withholding of such information would be likely to facilitate the reaching of international agreement on the China trade controls.

Mr. Swingler

Is not the Minister of State aware that there is now considerable difference both of policy and practice between the Powers who are represented on the Paris Consultative Group? Has not the Foreign Office any information at all about what the Belgians, French and Western Germans are doing with regard to trade with China? Does not the Foreign Office know that the practice of these countries is different, and, further, is it not unfair to British firms that this information should be revealed?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

My information is that we are adopting the same practices as those other countries in using the exceptions procedure. We also have information which shows that, contrary to what some hon. Members opposite think, we have had an expanding export trade with China. We sent more exports to China last year than France and only a little less than Western Germany.

Mr. Younger

In view of the fact that for many weeks past—indeed, for many months past—Ministers have been indicating quite clearly in their Answers that they would like to see considerable changes but that nevertheless no progress seems to be made in this Committee, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is unreasonable any longer to ask the country to take this matter on trust, and ought there not quite early to be a re-statement of the position?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I think that my right hon. Friend's statement last week showed very clearly that before long—I think he said in the very near future—there would be a re-statement of the position.

13. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many meetings of the China Committee of the Paris Consultative Group have been held since 10th April, 1956.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Since 10th April, 1956, there have been forty-seven meetings of the China Committee.

Mr. Swingler

On 10th April, 1956, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said that the Paris Consultative Group would shortly be convened to consider the removal of restrictions on trade with China. The right hon. Gentleman has now informed the House that there have been forty-seven meetings of the group and no progress at all has been made. What is the Foreign Office going to do?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

It proposes to make a statement on the matter in the very near future.