HC Deb 14 December 1922 vol 159 cc3135-6
50. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government has received any representations from business men, merchants, or manufacturers to the effect that trade between this country and Russia would be made easier if the relations between the two Governments were regularised; whether any further steps have been taken to re-open negotiations with the Russian Government, or to clear up questions outstanding between the two Governments; what these steps have been; whether he intends to continue the Russian policy of the late Government; and whether a statement of policy can be made before the rising of the House?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have no information of any such specific representations. Since the Conference at The Hague no steps have been taken to reopen negotiations with the Russian Government on the questions there dealt with. With regard to the last parts of the question, I would refer to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) on 29th November, and to the answer which the President of the Board of Trade gave to the hon. and gallant Member oh the 27th November.

Lieut.-Commander KENWO RTHY

Will the right hon. Gentleman specifically answer the fourth part of my question, as to whether it is proposed to continue the Russian policy of the late Government?

The PRIME MINISTER

If the hon. and gallant Member will describe it, I will see.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

In view of the answer of the Prime Minister, I give notice that I will raise this matter on the Consolidated Fund Bill to-night.