China (Hansard, 20 December 1962)

§ 22. Mr. Rankin
asked the President of the Board of Trade what embargoes and other restrictions are imposed on the export of commodities to China.

§ Mr. Erroll
The consolidated list of goods which may not be exported to China, in common with Soviet bloc countries, was published in the Board of Trade Journal on 28th September, 1962, and amendments were published on 26th October, 1962. The list is detailed and somewhat complicated but, broadly, the control covers weapons of war, atomic energy materials and other goods of strategic significance.

§ Mr. Rankin
I studied that at the time. Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that we have reached a stage in our economic life when we should be considering getting rid more and more of embargoes and other impediments to trade? Would he not agree that one way of increasing trade is by making more trade? Would he not accept the suggestion that he could make more trade with China if he were to get into talking terms with her? Will he reconsider his decision about receiving the Vice-Minister of Trade for China so that he might discuss these matters with him?

§ Mr. Erroll
A great deal of my time is taken up, quite properly, in efforts to promote and expand our international trade. I made it clear to Vice-Minister Lu at the time that his visit was only postponed, and I have made it clear since that we should like to see him in this country. In general, there are as many opportunities for trade with China as China's foreign exchange reserves will permit. But I do not think that the hon. Member should seriously suggest that we should sell China atomic bombs.

§ Mr. Rankin
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Surely it is not for the right hon. Gentleman to cast the aspersion that an hon. Member who is opposed to the bomb should want it sold to another part of the world? I think that the right hon. Gentleman should withdraw that remark.

§ Mr. Speaker
It depends how seriously I choose to regard the way in which the words were spoken in the context. I think that we can stand tossing atomic bombs about in that if in no other fashion.