§ 5. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether export licences are still being refused for goods destined for Soviet Russia; and, if so, on what legal grounds is this being done without a declaration of war or blockade?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEExport licences are still being refused for the shipment of goods to Russia. The legal 1313 authority for the existing prohibitions of export of goods to certain destinations without licence is Section 1 of the Customs (Exportation Restrictions) Act, 1914.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYCan the hon. Gentleman inform me why his Department hamper British trade in this way, in view of the fact that there is considerable trade going on between Sweden and other neutrals and Soviet Russia; and why does he prevent British merchants doing trade in a country with whom we are not at war?
Sir P. LLOYDGREAMEThe House has been fully informed on many occasions, both of the views and policy of His Majesty's Government, and also of the views of the hon. and gallant Member.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYOn the 7th July last, did we not agree to permit trading relations being resumed with Russia; and, in view of that fact, is not this a distinct breach of faith, as great as any breach of faith, with Russia?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThat is a singularly inaccurate description of the proposal which was put forward. The policy of His Majesty's Government was stated a day or two ago by the Leader of the House in reply to a question, and I have nothing to add to that.
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELIs it not a fact that the leaders of trade in this country decline to do business at all with Russia until they honour their pre-War debts?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI can assure the hon. Member that all the matters mentioned have been fully considered.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs it accurate to say that there are firms in this country who have already made large contracts wit)'. Soviet Russia to the extent of £2,000,000?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEIt is quite obvious that I cannot answer a question of that kind without notice. If my hon. Friend wishes to have specific facts relating to any transaction, I will endeavour to answer him.