§ 37. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether British merchants are permitted to ship goods for Esthonian ports for sale in Soviet Russia; whether neutral merchants are being prevented from doing so; whether British merchants are permitted to go to Soviet Russia to view goods with a view to purchase and to do other business; whether neutral merchants are being prevented from going for a like purpose; and whether trade is now permitted with Odessa?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is, that goods may be exported to Esthonia without licence, unless they figure on the Export Prohibition List A or B, in which case it is necessary to apply for a licence to the Imports and Exports Licensing Section of the Board of Trade. As regards the rest of the question, arrangements are being discussed, but until they are completed I should prefer not to make any statement.
73. Mr. A. T. DAVIESasked what progress has been made with regard to the resumption of trade between British or Allied traders and Russia.
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe best means of giving effect to the Supreme Council's decision as to trading with Russia have not yet been decided upon, but representatives of the Russian co-operative societies have gone to Moscow to discuss practical details. Until the result is known it is not possible to announce the procedure to be adopted by British traders.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it intended that British merchants will not 212 be allowed to trade freely but only through this narrow channel of the co-operative societies organisation?
§ Sir A. GEDDESIf the hon. and gal-land Member will refer to the answer made in the Supreme Council's decision he will see that trading with co-operative societies only is contemplated.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThen British merchants will not be permitted to sell or buy goods from Russia? Are we to understand that that is the present position?
§ Sir A. GEDDESReally, my hon. and gallant Friend might refer to the Prime Minister's answer.