§ 11. Mr. ROBERT RICHARDSONasked the President of the Board of Trade 1391 whether he is aware that the Russian trade delegation have concluded a contract with a Swedish firm for the delivery of about 10,000 harvesting machines and 1,000 separators; whether German and Austrian firms are also supplying Russia with agricultural machinery; whether any English firms have been approached by the Russian Government with a view to supplying them with agricultural machinery; and whether there is any prospect of the early conclusion of a trade agreement with Russia?
§ Sir R. HORNEIt has been stated that a contract has been concluded between the Russian Trade Delegation and a Swedish syndicate for the supply of agricultural machinery, but I understand that deliveries have been suspended. I am also informed that some agricultural machinery has been shipped from German ports to Reval, in transit to Russia. I further understand that certain British firms have been approached by the Russian Trade Delegation in connection with agricultural machinery. As regards the last part of the question, I am notable to add anything to the reply given by the Prime Minister on the 17th February, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. MILLSWill the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that it would be better for this country, in view of the facts set forth in the question, if the Government could bring about an early resumption of trade relations?
§ Sir R. HORNEOf course, trade depends upon people selling and people buying. If people are not in a position to pay for what they buy, you cannot carry on trade.
§ Mr. MILLSWill the right hon. Gentleman establish the possibility of action in the direction desired?
§ 31. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether he has any information that Herr Hugo Stinnes is negotiating with the Russian Government for a concession for exploiting the railway works at Briansk, and has declared his readiness to furnish the works with the requisite capital so that they may eventually turn out 8,000 locomotives and 80,000 wagons per annum; and what progress has now been made with the British trade agreement with Russia?
§ Sir R. HORNEI have been asked to reply. I have seen a statement in the Press to the effect indicated in the first part of the answer. As regards the second part, I am not able to add anything to the reply given by the Prime Minister on 17th February to the hon. Members for East Islington and North Lambeth, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. and gallant Member.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask the Prime Minister himself? What hopes has he of resuming negotiations for the opening up of trade with Russia in the near future?
§ Sir R. HORNEI think probably it is my duty to be more informed upon the question than the Prime Minister, and the question should be addressed to me. As far as we know, the representative of Russia in this matter, M. Krassin, is now on his way to this country, and negotiations will be taken up afresh when he arrives.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not to our interest to encourage Herr Stinnes to make this contract with Russia? It may help Germany to pay something by way of reparation.