§ 9. Mr. Pargiterasked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the United States Government, through the Paris Consultative Group, against the granting of licences for the export of tyre-making and other plant to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic; what was his reply; and what is the total value of the trade involved.
§ Sir D. EcclesNone, Sir. The contracts for this plant are expected to be worth over £10 million.
§ Mr. PargiterMay I take it that no hindrance but every encouragement is being given to the industry concerned to proceed with this contract?
§ Sir D. EcclesYes, Sir.
§ 10. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the President of the Board of Trade what are the present limitations governing the export of electric power generating equipment under the exceptions procedure relating to trade with China.
§ Sir D. EcclesElectric generators up to 375 K.V.A. and certain other equipment may be licensed provided we are satisfied that they are for civilian purposes.
§ Mr. AllaunIs the Minister aware that, because of the embargo, our exports of electrical goods to China fell to £150,000 last year, a mere one-tenth of what they were in 1947? Is he aware that China is about to build in Honan a hydroelectric station bigger than the largest two in America and that Sweden and Switzerland arc securing very lucrative contracts?
§ Sir D. EcclesI am aware of the difficulties and they are now being discussed.
§ Mr. JayCan the right hon. Gentleman at long last report some progress in the negotiations in Paris for a general relaxation of this embargo?
§ Sir D. EcclesI am afraid that the negotiations are still going on and I cannot yet make a statement.