§ 7. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he has studied the representations sent to him by the Aberdeen Trades Council regarding Her Majesty's Government's policy on the sale of buses to Cuba, and its effect on employment in the relevant British industries; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. du CannNo, Sir. The Board of Trade has been unable to trace the receipt of any such representations.
§ Mr. HughesMay we have a clear categorical statement on the distinction which the Government draw between the export of commodities which can be used for warlike purposes in Cuba, and those which cannot be used for warlike purposes? Such a statement would have an important effect on the industrial situation in this country; it would have an important effect on the workers in the relevant industries; and it would also have an effect on the industrial situation in Cuba.
§ Mr. du CannI know that my right hon. Friend has written to the hon. and learned Gentleman, and I hope that he will find the facts in that letter reassuring. The only ban on exports to Cuba is the embargo on strategic goods applied to the Sino-Soviet bloc.