§ 49. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that British merchants are handicapped in doing business in Russia by the absence of diplomatic relations between the British and Russian Governments; and that this state of affairs will be rendered more acute by the commercial treaty now being negotiated between the German and Russian Governments; and what steps he proposes to take to assist British merchants in trading with Russia?
§ The PRIME MINISTERHis Majesty's Government have no reason for believing that either of the two statements contained in the first two parts of the question has, or will have, any foundation in fact; and they are unaware of the necessity of taking any such steps as are suggested in the concluding paragraph.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHas the right hon. Gentleman no information at all as to negotiations going on for a regular commercial treaty between Germany and Russia? Do I understand that that is so?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo.
§ Mr. REMERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. and gallant Member has recently been to Russia to conduct most important business, and will he consider the appointment of the hon. and gallant Member as our diplomatic representative in Russia?
§ Mr. H. H. SPENCERIn view of the fact that Socialism has completely broken down in Russia—