§ 57. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that use of the exceptions procedure hampers British firms in negotiating business with the Chinese corporations, since they can never be certain that the procedure will necessarily apply in the particular instance; and whether he will begin consultations with a view to removing the embargoes completely, particularly on commercial vehicles and tractors for which orders are badly needed.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyOn the general question of the embargoes, I have nothing to add to the reply given on 29th October to the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Swingler). In the meantime we must continue to deal with specific cases as they arise, on their merits. Firms in uncertainty as to whether proposed exports can be authorised under the exceptions procedure should consult the Board of Trade.
§ 62. Mr. Youngerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the China Committee of the Paris Consulta- 122W tion Group last met to consider the revision of the strategic control on trade with China; and whether he will report to the House the result of the general review of the strategic list foreshadowed by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on 10th April, 1956.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyThe strategic controls on trade with China are under constant review by the participating countries. I cannot, however, disclose particulars of meetings of committees of the Consultative Group. The views of member Governments are, of course, made plain in these committees when particular cases are under consideration, but it has not proved possible yet to obtain agreement in favour of a general review.