§ 3.29 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) whether the subject of a relaxation of the embargo on trade with China was discussed at the recent Washington Conference, and, if so, can they state the outcome of the discussion; (2) whether they are aware that at a time when it is more important than ever that the United Kingdom should expand her export markets some other countries are exporting to the China market items in respect of which British traders are denied licences; (3) whether the continuance of the embargo not only forces China to become increasingly dependent on the Soviet bloc but is acting as a spur to the industrial development of that bloc in competition with British traders; and whether they will take such steps as are necessary to bring this unsatisfactory state of affairs to an end.]
977THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, on the first part of the Question I have nothing to add to the statement on the Washington talks made on February 13 by the Prime Minister in another place. As to the second part of the Question, I would refer the noble Viscount to the Answer which I gave to him in reply to a similar Question on January 25. As to the third part of his Question, there may be something to be said for this argument, but this would not of itself justify the removal of the embargo which was imposed by the United Kingdom and other members of the Consultative Group following the United Nations resolution of May 18, 1951.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, I thank the noble Marquess for his answer. May I take it that the China embargo list is to be reviewed?
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, I think that if the noble Viscount studies the reference which I have given him to my right honourable friend's speech, he will see exactly what the position is in that respect.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Marquess for his answer and many British industrialists will be grateful to him, too. May I ask him whether his attention has been drawn to a statement in the City Notes of The Times of February 13 which said:
In some industrial quarters it is believed that 1956 may be the critical year for the placing of contracts in connection with China's second Five-Year Plan, which starts early next year"?Would the noble Marquess bear that in mind as a reason for urgency in reviewing the China embargo list?
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, I am not going to pretend that I have read the actual passage to which the 978 noble Viscount refers, but I can assure him that the omission shall be rectified and I will give it every consideration.