§ 43. Mr. Goodhartasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is still the policy of Her Majesty's Government to increase trade with North Vietnam.
§ Mr. MasonOur trade with North Vietnam has always been extremely small, and in present circumstances there is little scope for increase.
§ Mr. GoodhartIs the hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. McNamara, the American Defence Secretary, said to the American Senate recently that the British Government were bringing great pressure to bear on British shipowners to decrease their trade with North Vietnam? What pressure has in fact been brought to bear? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that our trade with North Vietnam has doubled in the past year?
§ Mr. MasonI am not aware of any British ships under the direct control of British owners which are trading to North Vietnam.