HC Deb 20 May 1958 vol 588 cc71-2W
40 and 41. Mr. Awbery

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if his attention has been called to the trade fair to be held in Peking in 1960 at which manufacturers are anxious to book space for exhibits but are finding difficulties in so doing because of the restrictions on trading with China; and, in view of the urgency to book space, if he will indicate at an early date the policy of the Government in respect of trade with China;

(2) in view of the success of British exhibits at the New York motor show recently, if he will now take steps to encourage British manufacturers to book space at the fair to be held in Peking in 1960 and get into the great potential market of China.

Mr. Erroll

I am aware that the Federation of British Industries are investigating the possibility of holding a British trade fair in Peking. They have been told that Her Majesty's Government will give their support if the fair is held. I realise that some firms may not wish to take space for exhibits pending the outcome of the review of the control lists now proceeding in Paris. We are doing our best to expedite this review, but many Governments are involved and it is bound to take some little time yet.