§ 38. Mr. Jayasked the President of the Board of Trade what further action he is taking to relax strategic restrictions on the export of copper wire from the United Kingdom to China.
§ The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. J. K. Vaughan-Morgan)Since the beginning of this year, limited quantities of copper wire have been licensed for export to China. The Chinese authorities have been informed that further limited quantites will be authorised in July against firm orders.
§ Mr. JayFrom his own industrial experience, does the Minister of State really believe that these restrictions are really necessary?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganOur only obligation at present to our partners in the Paris Group is to watch how the trade is developing. If at the end of the review we consider that no further form of embargo is necessary, we shall, of course, remove our restrictions.
§ Mr. GaitskellIf it is reasonable to allow limited quantities of copper wire, why should not larger quantities be allowed?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganIf in due course, in July, the right hon. Gentleman puts down a Question, he may find that the "limited" is not quite so limited.