§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are in a position to report any matters of interest and of a favourable nature to British trade and industry which have arisen during the C.O.C.O.M. East-West trade talks which commenced in Paris on 12th April.]
LORD HAWKEMy Lords, we and the other countries which maintain security controls on East-West trade have made considerable progress in reviewing the present control lists. Agreement has been reached on a number of changes, but Her Majesty's Government have not so far persuaded all the other Governments concerned that it would be wise to remove particular items from the prohibited list in advance of others. Discussions are proceeding, and it remains the Government's policy to secure a substantial reduction of the strategic controls as rapidly as possible.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, I beg to thank the noble Lord for his Answer. May I ask whether Her Majesty's Government will bear in mind the very important fact that the Board of Trade's embargo list was neither started nor at any stage approved by the United Nations, and has always been different from the lists operated by other United Nations members? Further, will the Government bear in mind that there is no United Nations resolution or binding decision of any other authority to prevent the Board of Trade from making further adjustments at any time to what may be over-rigid schedules?
LORD HAWKEHer Majesty's Government will certainly bear in mind all the statements which the noble Viscount has made.