The following question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. ALBERY:61. "To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the declaration by the ambassador of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics, added to the temporary commercial agreement, concerning all vessels of the former Russian fleet, both military and merchant, affects the present property of any British subjects; and, if so, in what manner?
§ Mr. ALBERYI put down Question No. 61 to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and it was transferred at short notice to the President of the Board of Trade, who is not present to answer it. May I ask whether it would not be more convenient, when questions have to be transferred from one Minister to another, if the Member concerned were given adequate notice, so that he can put it down to that Minister on the most appropriate day?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIn arranging to whom questions should be addressed, it would be to the advantage of the House if the hon. Members who ask them have sufficient notice, so that the questions can be put down to the right Minister.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. W. R. SMITH)The hon. Member said that the Minister was not here to answer the question. I have been sitting here, and I did not hear the question called, or I should have answered it.
§ Mr. ALBERYMay I ask the question now?
§ Mr. SPEAKERYes.
§ Mr. W. R. SMITHThe declaration to which the hon. Member refers is a unilateral declaration by the Soviet Government which does not, so far as I am aware, modify in any way any previously existing property rights of British subjects.