§ 51. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Prime Minister how many trade representatives may be sent to this country by the Russian Soviet Government under the recently signed Trade Agreement; and whether all such representatives will be accorded the special ambassadorial privileges referred to in the said Trade Agreement?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe number of trade representatives to be sent by the Russian Soviet Government into England, in accordance with the "reciprocal arrangement" set forth under the Russian Trade Agreement, is a matter left for agreement between the two Governments, and is at present under consideration. With regard to the second part of the question, the official agents of the Soviet Government will be given the special privileges, indicated in the Trade Agreement, to enable them to exercise their functions while in this country.
§ Viscount CURZONDoes the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that any increase in the numbers 'of trade delegations is at present contemplated?
§ Sir W. DAVISONDo we understand there will be a strict limit put on these numbers?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINWhat I said was that the numbers are at present under consideration. They are subject to reciprocal arrangements with our trade representatives in Russia and their representatives here.
Lieut.-Commander KEN WORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman refute these childish attacks on a Government with whom we have just signed an Agreement?
§ Commander BELLAIRSAre we to understand that these representatives who are sent over here will not in any way have their luggage searched, in view of what took place with regard to the diplomatic agents of the Soviet who were sent to Italy?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThat has been denied.
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIf my hon. and gallant Friend will look at Clauses 4 and 5 of the Agreement, he will see there set out the extent of the privileges respectively accorded to the trade representatives and the official representatives of the Soviet Government.