5. Major BARNESasked the President of the Board of Trade if Messrs. Coats and Company had any works in Russia prior to the War; if he can say whether possession of these works has been taken by or on behalf of the Soviet Government; if Messrs. Coats and Company have received any payment from the Soviet Government and if they have made any complaint as to the action of that Government; and, if so, what has been the ground of their complaint?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI understand that the firm in question have interests in certain Russian companies, and that works and other property with which they are concerned have been sequestrated by the Soviet Government without payment of compensation. Messrs Coats have lodged complaints against such action.
15. Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the great interest felt in the question, he can expedite the Report of the Committee appointed to inquire into the price of Messrs. Coats's cotton?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANA superficial or hurried investigation is likely to do more harm than good, and I do not therefore see my way to press the Committee, who are fully aware of the interest felt in the question.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill the hon. Gentleman ask the Committee, in making their report, to reply to the statements recently made by Messrs Coats in alleged justification of their high prices?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have no doubt they will take that into consideration.