CHINA (TRADE)

HC Deb 11 February 1957 vol 564 cc902-3

7. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been made in the last three months by Her Majesty's representatives in Washington and on the Paris Committee to secure a relaxation of strategic controls on western trade with China.

Mr. Ian Harvey

Her Majesty's Government have made their views on this question abundantly clear to all members of the Consultative Group, but I cannot disclose the details of confidential discussions and representations.

Mr. Swingler

Are we to assume from that reply that British Government representatives are pressing week by week for the relaxation of these controls, and may we take it that the Government are not satisfied with the present position and are now pressing for relaxation of these controls?

Mr. Harvey

I think it is reasonable to make that assumption.

Mr. Younger

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it is about time that some general statement was made to the House about the position of these discussions? While quite recognising that we cannot reveal the details of confidential talks, are not the country and particularly the business community entitled to know, in the form of a White Paper or a Government statement, the matters on which we are in disagreement with our allies so that argument can be brought freely to bear upon them?

Mr. Harvey

That is a matter that my right hon. and learned Friend has already dealt with quite recently, but I will take it into account.

Mr. Bevan

The right hon. and learned Gentleman said the week before last that he was not prepared to present to the House a White Paper on this matter, in which there is very general interest. Is it not time that we were now told how this trade is moving, because my information is that quite a considerable amount of trade is going on between China and Western Germany at the expense of our prospects?

Mr. Harvey

My right hon. and learned Friend is well aware of the situation and of the views of hon. and right hon. Members opposite and on this side of the House, and the matter will be carefully considered.