HC Deb 28 March 1957 vol 567 cc1322-3
21. Mr. Jay

asked the President of the Board of Trade what fresh guidance he has given to industry, in the light of the Bermuda Conference, on the strategic embargo on United Kingdom exports to China.

Sir D. Eccles

None, Sir.

Mr. Jay

Does that mean that although British industry was asked to wait for the Bermuda Conference for further progress on this issue, absolutely nothing further has emerged from that conference?

Sir D. Eccles

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will wait for my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to make his statement.

Mr. Jay

Does not the Prime Minister ever consult the President of the Board of Trade about this matter? If that is not so, can the President at least give us an assurance that the Prime Minister will have something positive to say about it?

Sir D. Eccles

No, Sir. I think that the right hon. Gentleman should await the Prime Minister's statement.

Mr. Harold Davies

Will the President's right hon. Friend also give the House the date when North Veitnam was included in the Chinese embargo? Will he see that this House is informed as to whether or not the Prime Minister raised at Bermuda this vital issue of British trade with China and North Veitnam being included in the embargo without information being given to this House?

Sir D. Eccles

That does not arise out of the original Question.

Mr. Davies

It very much does.

Mr. Speaker

Order.