HC Deb 31 January 1957 vol 563 cc201-2W
12. Sir L. Plummer

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that substantial business has been booked by a West German firm, and sanctioned by the West German Government, for the supply of power shovels to China, and that a number of British firms were interested in obtaining this order but were prevented from doing so by the complexities of the export licensing procedure; and whether he will take steps to simplify the procedure.

Sir D. Eccles

I am aware that in conformity with the exceptions procedure of the Consultative Group a substantial export of power shovels from West Germany to China was recently authorised by the Federal German Government. Since 14th May last, when our present policy was announced to the House, exports to China from the United Kingdom of power shovels of comparable size have been authorised in the case of all applications received, and I cannot agree that our export licensing procedure has caused suppliers in this country to lose orders to their competitors. The procedure could not be simplified consistently with obligations accepted by all countries in the Group.

Sir L. Plummer

asked the President of the Board of Trade which are the types of machine tools in respect of which exceptions have been made to the embargo on exports to China.

Sir D. Eccles

Export licences have been issued for particular consignments, approved within the limitations of the exceptions procedure, of machine tools within the following types:

  • Centre lathes.
  • Universal and vertical milling machines.
  • Tool and cutter grinding machines.
  • Surface grinding machines.
  • Shaping machines.
  • Hydraulic presses.
  • Band-sawing machines.
  • Hacksawing machines.
  • Filing and sawing machines.
  • Chain forming machinery.
  • Brake drum turning and grinding machines.
  • Cylinder boring bar machines.