HC Deb 28 October 1953 vol 518 c382W
100. Mr. Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on British participation in the Consultative Group Co-operation Committee, stating, in particular, the number of meetings attended by British representatives in the last 12 months; the subjects considered; and the extent to which he is influenced by the Committee in granting, or refusing to grant, export licences for trade with Eastern countries.

Mr. Amory

The United Kingdom plays a full part in the work of the international Committee to which the hon. Member refers. It is an informal organisation which meets on frequent occasions to co-ordinate and unify such controls on exports of strategic goods as may be necessary to safeguard the security of the countries represented. Decisions on the issue of export licences in particular cases are taken by Her Majesty's Government in the light of the policies which are discussed in the Committee.