§ Mr. ElletsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade when he next expects to visit China; and if he will make a statement about the effect of the issue of Hong Kong on Sino-British commercial relations and prospects.
§ Mr. NeedhamMy right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is hoping to visit China next year to promote our trade and commercial relations. We have no firm evidence that political differences with China over Hong Kong are having an effect on British commercial interests. Our exports to China rose by 72 per cent. in 1993, and by a further 21 per cent. in the first nine months of 1994; and the level of intended direct investment by British firms in China rose from £1 billion to £3 billion in 1993, which will make Britain one of the largest overseas investors there.