§ Mr. Lewisasked the President of the Board of Trade to give the names and businesses with which they are concerned of the trade mission now visiting China; to what extent this mission has, or is receiving, the support of his Department; and whether he will give an assurance that his Department will support any trade agreements that this mission may reach with the Chinese Governments or business concerns in China.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThe group of businessmen now visiting China was organised by the five Associations comprising the Sino-British Trade Committee and not by my Department; it would not, therefore, be appropriate for me to give the names and businesses of the members. The visit has the approval of Her Majesty's Government; there is, of course, no question of this group negotiating any trade agreement on behalf of Her Majesty's Government, but we hope that satisfactory business will ensue within the compass of the existing controls.