§ 30. Dr. David Kerrasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what proposals he now has for improving relations between Great Britain and the People's Republic of China.
§ Mr. George BrownI have nothing to add to the Answer which my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State gave to the hon. Member for Birmingham, All Saints (Mr. Walden) on 13th November.—[Vol. 754, c. 19.]
§ Dr. KerrWill my right hon. Friend note that one way at least to assist this country in its present economic difficulties would be to make use of the potential market in that part of the world and that as long as our relations with China are bedevilled by axe-swinging in this country and riots in Peking we are placed in great difficulties? Will he note that we support his forbearance in maintaining such diplomatic relations as exist, but that we urge him to take such action as is open to him to improve them?
§ Mr. BrownYes, we are trying to do exactly that. It is worth bearing in mind that the level of our exports has been 921 maintained despite the difficulties and that the estimated total for the first nine months of 1967 was just under £34 million. We will go on doing what we can from this end both to maintain and improve relations, and I shall be glad for any help that my hon. Friend can give me at the other end.
§ Mr. TilneyWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the importance of trade with the Republic of China, whose imports are increasing enormously and in which we have a negligible share?