HC Deb 14 April 1959 vol 603 cc791-3
17. Mr. Reader Harris

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, under the trade agreement signed in Paris on 22nd December, 1958, between France and Poland, there is provision for the export to Poland of silicon to the value of 45,000,000 francs; and whether, in view of the Common Embargo List, published by his Department on 15th August last, which prohibits the export of silicon of a purity of 99.9 per cent. or more, he will give an assurance that the exports of British manufacturers are placed under no greater restrictions than any other member country of the Consultative Committee.

Sir D. Eccles

Yes, Sir. I understand that this agreement does not provide for French exports to Poland of any goods subject to the international embargo.

Mr. Harris

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many people are under the impression that other European countries are not adhering to the embargo list as strictly as we are, and that France is one of the more persistent offenders at present? Is my right hon. Friend's Department taking any action in the matter?

Sir D. Eccles

I have no such information. As far as I know, the French have always kept their bargain as well as we have.

17. Mr. Reader Harris

asked the President of the Board of Trade why it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to maintain the common embargo prohibition on the export to the Communist countries of oscilloscopes, cathode ray, and specialised parts thereof containing or designed for the use of one or more cathode ray tubes having three or more electron guns or three or more cathode ray tubes.

Sir D. Eccles

Because these instruments have applications for military research.

Mr. Harris

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that was not quite what I asked? How is it that one of these machines can go with only one or two cathode ray tubes, but that if the machine has three it goes on to the embargo list? If the machine has only one or two it is free. and any number of these can be sent and can be put together on the other side. Is not that absurd?

Sir D. Eccles

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for bringing this matter to my attention. It will enable us to tighten up the controls.