§ 4 and 5. Mr. Swinglerasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (1) to what extent he has consulted Commonwealth Governments in the last six months about the relaxation of strategic controls on trade with China;
(2) if he will consult with the Governments of the Commonwealth with a view to arriving at a common policy on the subject of trade relations with China.
§ Mr. AlportSome Commonwealth Governments do not maintain strategic controls on their trade with China and I do not think that a common policy for all Commonwealth Governments is feasible. Those which do maintain such controls are fully aware of the United Kingdom Government's practice and of our policy. There has therefore been no need for formal consultation with them during the last six months. Canada is 523 represented on the Consultative Group at Paris and there is close and continuous contact between Canadian and United Kingdom representatives in that body.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs the hon. Member aware that the Prime Minister of Canada recently told the Canadian House of Commons that there had been no official consultations between the United Kingdom representatives and the Canadian representatives on this subject and that he knew nothing of British representations in favour of relaxing the controls? As Canada is represented in this Group, is that not highly unsatisfactory? Will not the hon. Member take action to get some official co-ordination between Canadian and United Kingdom policy?
§ Mr. AlportI think the hon. Member is mistaken in his interpretation of the Prime Minister's statement which, as I understand it, referred to formal representations. There has been informal consultation between our representatives in Paris throughout the last six months.