§ 83. Mr. STURROCKasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what steps the Government is taking to facilitate the importation of raw flax into the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIn the absence of my hon. Friend (Mr. Kellaway) I have been asked to reply. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, Russia is the principal source of flax. As regards Soviet Russia, the hon. Member is cognisant of the negotiations which have recently taken place with a view to re-opening trade relations, and should these mature, there is a probability of securing certain stocks from that country. The Baltic States constitute the other principal source, and the British Commissioner has been instructed to expedite the export of flax from those parts. A commercial commissioner has been attached to the British Mission, and one of his main duties will be to facilitate this trade.