§ 54. Mr. HURDasked the Prime Minister what is the present position of the agreement between Krupps and the Soviet Government for the exploitation of wheat areas in South-West Russia; whether 2935 British financiers are now being invited to subscribe a large part of the capital; and whether the Government will use its influence with British financiers in the interest of the development of resources in British lands overseas in preference to foreign lands?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWith regard to the first part of the question, I understand that an agreement has been signed between the representatives of Krupps and the Russian Government, but that it has not yet been ratified. As regards the second part of the question, I believe that attempts have been made to raise in this country a part of the capital required. The last part of the question raises issues of policy which can hardly be dealt with completely in the form of question and answer.