§ 37. Mr. Rankinasked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the relaxation of the embargo on 30th May last has resulted in an increase in British exports to China; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganThere has recently been an increase in our exports to China, but there has been no increase in exports of formerly embargoed goods However, trade figures later this year may reflect an improvement due to orders currently being placed here by the Chinese purchasing mission.
§ Mr. RankinCan the Minister confirm, in relation to those goods—in addition to some of the formerly embargoed goods, such as copper—that although the embargo has been relaxed a new and arbitrary restrictive list has been produced which is hindering exports of certain goods?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganIt is not a very specific question. In general, the pattern of our exports is determined by the purchasing policy of the Chinese authorities, but the purchasing mission has placed substantial orders here.
§ Mr. JayAs there is such a general wish among British industry for a further relaxation of this list, can the Minister say whether the Government are making further progress in that direction?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganI think that the right hon. Gentleman knows that the strategic controls for exports to China and the Sino-Soviet bloc are being reviewed by the Co-ordinating Committee in Paris. We hope that it will arrive at a decision as soon as possible.