HC Deb 05 April 1921 vol 140 cc111-2
47. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Prime Minister whether any negotiations have been opened for a general peace with Russia; and, if not, whether he will take action with a view to overtures being made for this purpose?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask the Prime Minister, to whom the question was addressed, whether the Government's policy is not to attempt to get a general peace with Russia at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That has been very fully dealt with already in Debate.

Mr. SWAN

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea of the cost to the Government in unemployment doles due to not having a peace with Russia?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Nothing at all. The amount of trade there is any chance of doing with Russia can produce at the present moment no appreciable effect upon our employment.

Mr. SWAN

Is it not a fact that if we reopened trade with Russia, it would give a substantial amount of employment to men who to-day are out of work and thus be a saving to the revenue of this country?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, not at this moment; that is not the fact. We have signed a trade agreement so that we may take such advantage as there may be of the opportunities which are offered, but I can only say it would be a great mistake to hold out any hope of any substantial amount of trade coming from Russia at the present time.

Mr. SWAN

Then can we assume that the statement of the Prime Minister is entirely wrong?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, certainly not. There is nothing inconsistent in what I have said with the argument adduced by the Prime Minister.

Colonel WEDGWO0D

Is the right hon. Gentlemen not assuming that the Anti-Dumping Bill is already passed by making such an allegation?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No.