§ 19. Mr. Collinsasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Chinese Trade Mission inquired into the possibility of purchasing civilian aeroplanes of British manufacture; what inquiries he has received regarding the sale of such aircraft to China; and, in view of the present run down in the aircraft industry, if he will remove existing restrictions on the sale of new and second-hand airplanes.
§ Sir D. EcclesYes, Sir: and I know that the British civil aircraft industry would like to sell to China. Any exception to the present embargo, however, would have to be cleared internationally in the Paris Consultative Group. I cannot yet say whether we shall think it right to put any such proposal to our Allies.
§ Mr. CollinsIn his further deliberations on this subject, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that Far Eastern airlines are not equipped solely with Russian planes, and so other countries must be supplying them? If B.E.A. wants to sell some Elizabethans, why should it be frustrated? Will the right hon. Gentleman use his utmost endeavours to ensure that this country's aircraft industry is placed at least on terms of equality with the aircraft industries of other countries?
§ Sir D. EcclesI am very anxious to do so, but we shall have to discuss this matter with our allies.
Mr. DugdaleI understood the Minister to say that he would not put forward proposals. Will he at least promise that he will put forward proposals although it is realised that they have to be discussed, considered and agreed upon finally with other countries?
§ Sir D. EcclesIt depends on whether it is thought that there are possibilities of using the aircraft for military purposes.
§ Mr. JayCan there really be any danger in selling second-hand civilian aircraft to China at present?