HC Deb 20 December 1960 vol 632 cc146-7W
78. Mrs. Castle

asked the President of the Board of Trade what regulations, other than the Foreign Assets Control Regulations, are imposed by the United States of America on companies manufacturing in Great Britain with British labour.

Mr. N. Macpherson

If the hon. Lady has in mind the Comprehensive Export Schedule issued under the United States Export Control Act, 1949, this includes provisions relating to the export from the United Kingdom by any persons of goods and technical data of United States origin.

Sir F. Markham

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that over 40 of the principal firms in England are entirely United States-owned, and that these factories do no export trade except by taking advantage of Commonwealth preferences and are forbidden by contract or agreement from exporting to the United States of America and other United States areas; and whether he will give details of the extent to which British exports are being limited by these methods.

Mr. Maudling

I am not aware of the basis for the assertions in my hon. and gallant Friend's Question. Some United Kingdom companies under United States control have a long and distinguished record as exporters to the United States and elsewhere. I do not regard it as undesirable that United Kingdom firms which happen to be under foreign control should export to the Commonwealth.

Mrs. Castle

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will publish a list of companies manufacturing in Great Britain which are designated as United States Controlled Businesses under the Trade with the Enemy Act 1917 (United States), and the Foreign Assets Control Regulations established there-under.

Mr. Maudling

This information is not available.