HL Deb 07 February 1956 vol 195 c775
VISCOUNT ELIBANK

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether their attention has been drawn to a statement emanating on 25th January from a sub-committee of the United States Senate Investigations Committee which criticised "our allies, especially the British" for making major contributions to the Chinese war economy; and whether they are aware that—licences under the China Embargo List having been issued to British traders strictly in accordance with "Cocom" controls—the aforesaid statement is utter nonsense, insusceptible of proof.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE MARQUESS OF READING)

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government are aware of the statement referred to by the noble Viscount. I agree with him that there is no substance in these allegations, which have already been refuted on behalf of the Foreign Office on January 26.

VISCOUNT ELIBANK

My Lords, I beg to thank the noble Marquess for his Answer, which I hope will put a stop to the unfounded attacks on the integrity of the British Government and British traders.