HC Deb 15 May 1953 vol 515 cc94-5W
Mr. Braine

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a further statement on the importation and control of strategic materials in Hong Kong.

Mr. Hopkinson

Yes, I should like to correct any misapprehension regarding Hong Kong's imports of rubber, explosives and chemicals, fuel oil and machinery. Any suggestion that strategic goods in these categories were re-exported to China is entirely without foundation. No strategic goods were licensed for export from Hong Kong to China in 1952, except for a few insignificant items specially authorised for non-strategic uses, and any balance of imports not re-exported to permitted destinations was retained under strict control for local consumption.

Of rubber imports valued at £1,250,000 crude rubber for use in local factories accounted for £500,000. Of the balance £468,750 represented imports of some 36,000 motor tyres, of which 34,000 were retained for 17,000 local vehicles and 2,000 were exported to approved destinations. Exports to China, mostly in the form of medical supplies, were less than £12,500.

Of imports classified as explosives and chemicals valued at £2,625,000, £62,500 only represented explosives which were used mainly in the local manufacture of fireworks. Of the re-exports of chemicals valued at £2,000,000 nearly £1,562,500 represented chemicals of a non-strategic nature of which China received some £687,500 worth.

All imports of mineral fuels and lubricants valued at £8,125,000 were for local consumption. These are strictly controlled and there were no exports to China.

Of machinery imports valued at £9,000,000, £5,687,500 were re-exported. Exports to China totalling £2,250,000 were of a non-strategic nature, including such items as textile machinery, calculating machines, medical equipment and typewriters. The balance of imports were used for the expansion of local industries, £1,375,000 worth going to two power companies alone.