§ 45. Mr. Jayasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the relaxation of strategic restrictions on United Kingdom exports to China.
§ 50. Mr. Rankinasked the Prime Minister whether he still proposes to continue the special embargo on trade with China; and if he will now make a statement on the subject arising from the recent meetings of the Paris Consultative Group.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)We are now making an urgent study of the United States proposals in preparation for discussions in the China Committee.
§ Mr. JayAs it is a month since the Foreign Secretary said that we could wait only a little longer, will the Prime Minister assure us that a final statement will be made very soon? Would he agree that this is a subject on which we must now make up our own minds?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, but since proposals have been put forward, I think it better that they should be discussed in the Committee.
§ Mr. RankinDoes the Prime Minister accept the view that the special embargo on our trade with China should be removed; and if he does, will he say so?
§ The Prime MinisterI think it would be much wiser to await the discussions in the Committee on proposals which the United States Government are making, and we hope very soon to reach a conclusion.
Mr. DugdaleHas the Prime Minister also had consultations with other members of the Commonwealth? If so, can he state what are their opinions?
§ The Prime MinisterNo. Sir, I should like notice of that question. But I repeat that our view is fairly well known. We hope to hold these discussions and to reach a satisfactory result.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanCan the right hon. Gentleman make any comment on statements which have been repeated, I think in the Press, that the proposal is not merely to make a relaxation in the list of prohibited goods in respect of China, but to endeavour to put the two lists of China and the Soviet Union on the same level and to add to the number of restricted articles in the Soviet Union list? Is that so?
§ The Prime MinisterI would rather not make any comment on anything which has appeared in the Press. These discussions are supposed to be confidential.