§ 3. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any preparations have been made by his Department to assist British merchants and manufacturers to take advantage of openings in the Russian and Siberian markets on the signing of an agreement for trading relationships between Russia and the British Empire; and, if so, what are they?
§ Mr. KELLAWAY (Secretary, Department of Overseas Trade)The Department of Overseas Trade has had under consideration the question of what assistance can be given to British manufacturers and merchants in the event of a trade agreement being concluded with the Soviet Government, but pending the conclusion of such an agreement I do not think it is desirable to make a statement on the subject.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAs this is a very big subject can the hon. Gentleman assure us that it is engaging the earnest attention of his Department?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYYes, Sir.
§ 31. Mr. RAPERasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the fact that the Russian Soviet Government have already failed to fulfil their obligations under their recent Swedish trade agreement; when he expects to be able to submit the terms of the proposed Anglo-Soviet trade agreement to this House; and which day he purposes giving this House an opportunity of debating the proposed agreement?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no information to confirm the statement contained in the first part of the question. As regards the last part of the question, I can add nothing to what has already been said in reply to questions on this subject.
§ Mr. RAPERMay I ask my right hon. Friend if he does not consider the statement in the first part of my question of sufficient importance to inquire from the Swedish Legation?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it not a fact that there is a flourishing trade going on to-day between Sweden and Russia, and that our merchants have to go to Sweden to buy Russian goods, and are doing it?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no information as the result of inquiries to confirm the hon. Member's statement, but there is no doubt that trade is going on at the present moment between Sweden and Russia.
§ The PRIME MINISTERindicated assent,
§ 32. Mr. RAPERasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the fact that the United States Government stated that the recent events in the Crimea in no way alters their attitude towards Soviet Russia, and that they purpose adhering firmly to the principles enunciated in their Note of 10th August; and whether the United States Government have stated that they consider the conclusion of the proposed Anglo-Soviet trade agreement would extend virtual de facto recognition to the Russian Soviet Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo communication in this sense has been received from the United States Government.
§ Mr. RAPERIn view of the statements in all sections of the Press, will my right hon. Friend make an inquiry from the British representative at Washington?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe attitude of the United States Government has been declared. They have taken their line, and so have we. They are responsible to their public, and we are responsible to ours.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDid not the United States Government refuse to enter into a blockade against Russia quite recently?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, that is so.