HC Deb 13 December 1962 vol 669 cc90-1W
38. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the meeting arranged in Great Britain for last week between himself and the Chinese Vice-Minister for Foreign Trade has been postponed; when it will now take place; what aspects of foreign trade will be discussed; and if he will include a reference in the discussions to Scottish shipbuilding and other Scottish industries relevant to trade between the two countries.

Mr. Erroll

As to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State to the hon. Member for Lichfield and Tamworth (Mr. Snow) on 27th November. No new date has been arranged for the Chinese Minister's visit, but I hope that it may take place at the earliest suitable moment. As it will be a goodwill visit, no formal agenda for dicussions is planned, but there will be opportunities for informal talks on all aspects of Sino-British trade. I will bear in mind the interests of Scottish industries.