HC Deb 12 May 1958 vol 588 cc15-7
28. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what has been the outcome of the recent discussions in Paris with regard to exports to Russia and China.

Mr. Ian Harvey

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Rankin) on 5th May.

Mr. Fernyhough

Since that reply just said nothing, can the hon. Gentleman tell us what is holding up these negotiations? Is he not aware of Britain's great need to expand trade, and is he not also aware of the growing unemployment in this country? Is it not time that we showed a little independence, as Western Germany has already done, and signed our own trade agreements?

Mr. Harvey

I do not agree that my previous reply said nothing. I indicated that serious discussions were going on. There is no objection to their going on for quite a long time, provided they achieve results; and they are still going on.

46. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will instruct our representatives at the meeting of the Co-ordinating Committee on Trade with Communist Countries, now proceeding in Paris, to press for the implementation of the Government's decision to place our trading relations with Russia and China on the same basis.

Mr. Ian Harvey

The same system and the same considerations of security apply to the export of goods to both China and the Soviet Union.

Mr. Rankin

Is the Under-Secretary aware that the Foreign Office is beginning to fall behind the level of our industrialists in their outlook on this problem? Is he aware that Sir Greville Maginness, chairman of the British Association of Machine Tool Manufacturers, stated a few days ago that it is time that we wound up the whole paraphernalia of Cocom and got rid of the system of embargoes and, so far as the export of warlike materials is concerned, reverted to the existing system of licensing? What has the hon. Gentleman to say about that point of view?

Mr. Harvey

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman is now paying such attention to the views of industrialists, which will probably help him. So far as we are concerned, I have clearly stated the position with regard to this Committee.