HC Deb 14 July 1958 vol 591 cc822-3
42. Dr. King

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now make a statement on the proposed relaxation of embargoes on East-West trade.

48. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many times the Co-ordinating Committee of the Paris Consultative Group has met since 19th May; and, approximately, how many classes of exports it is hoped to remove from the embargo list as a result of these deliberations.

Commander Noble

The Co-ordinating Committee of the Paris Consultative Group has met thirty times since 19th May. I have nothing to add to the Answer I gave to the hon. and learned Member for Ipswich (Mr. Foot) on 8th July.

Dr. King

Can the Minister confirm the statement made by Mr. Dulles at the Press conference on 1st July that there will be appreciable reductions in the strategic list, and will he continue to treat this matter as one not only of importance but of urgency?

Commander Noble

I think I would rather refer the hon. Gentleman to the Answer which I gave last week.

Mr. Swingler

May we have an assurance that there will be a statement before the Summer Recess on the results of what are now over 100 meetings of the Committee to consider relaxing these controls?

Commander Noble

If a definite statement can be made before the House rises we shall, of course, wish to do so, but I cannot guarantee that it will in fact be possible, because I am sure the hon. Gentleman realises that it is not a matter for us alone.

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