§ The following questions stood on the Paper in the name of Sir ARTHUR STEEL-MAITLAND:
§ 27. To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Russo-Caucasian Company has been ordered to liquidate its affairs in Russia; what are the reasons, if any, given by the Soviet Government for the action taken by them; and what steps are contemplated by His Majesty's Government to protect the British interests involved?
§ 51. To ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Russo-Caucasian Company has throughout its existence been in constant co-operation with the Russian trade delegation in this country, has had permits from them to import goods into Russia, and has in all matters endeavoured to comply with the requirements both of the trade delegation here and of the Government in Russia, he will make immediate and urgent representations to the representative of the Russian Government to enable Mr. Carr, as representing the company, to remain in Russia to liquidate the company's business, and to grant a reasonably sufficient extension of the period of liquidation, so as to enable the company to wind up their affairs in Russia without undue loss?
Sir A. STEEL-MAITCANDMay I say that I endeavoured to withdraw Question 27, in order to substitute Question 51, but I find that both appear on the Paper.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI propose, with the permission of the House, to answer both questions together. Certain firms, including the Russo-Caucasian Company, have been instructed by the Soviet Union authorities to liquidate 19 their affairs in the Soviet Union, but I have no information of the grounds on which such instructions have been issued. I am asking for this information from His Majesty's representative at Moscow, whose attention has already been drawn to the case.
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDCan the right hon. Gentleman take any steps to prevent, further hardship being caused as a result of the representatives of the company being compelled to leave Russia forthwith: and is he aware that every day's delay in dealing with the matter is likely to involve the company in further and avoidable loss? Cannot representations be made with a view to obtaining an extension of the time during which they may stay in Russia?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not at all sure, as a matter of fact, that this has not already been done.
§ Sir W. DAVISONHas the attention of the Soviet delegation in this country been drawn to this remarkable incident?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, it has.