HC Deb 25 June 1924 vol 175 cc418-20
1. Mr. LUMLEY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any intimation has been received from the Russian Government that they are prepared to place orders in this country which will provide work for large numbers of engineering workers provided that credit facilities are forthcoming?

Mr. LUNN (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

I understand that certain proposals involving the placing of orders in this country for manufactured goods have recently been submitted to the Advisory Committee appointed under the Trade Facilities Acts, and that these proposals are under the Committee's consideration. Pending the examination of these proposals by the Committee, I am not in a position to make a further statement on the matter.

Mr. AYLES

Will the hon. Member use his utmost endeavours to see that consideration is speeded up, seeing that the engineering and shipbuilding industries, which are mainly concerned in the proposals before the Trade Facilities Committee, are the most badly hit by unemployment in this country?

Mr. LUNN

I will call attention to my hon. Friend's statement.

Sir W. DAVIDSON

Has the hon. Member any information that the Russian Government have been buying cotton in this country?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Are we to understand that the Trade Facilities scheme has been extended to the Russian Government?

Mr. LUNN

I did not state that, because I do not understand that that has been done at the moment but that does not prevent the consideration of schemes by the Trade Facilities Committee, and they are at the moment examining the question.

Mr. LUMLEY

When will the hon. Member be able to give us more information?

Mr. LUNN

I have another question by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on that matter, but I am not able to say, nor will I be able to say even to him, the exact date when I shall be in a position to give a complete answer.

45. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the time which will probably be required, and the time already taken, to settle the many complicated and difficult questions outstanding between this country and the Union Government of Russia, he will consider immediately extending the Exports Credits Schedule (Overseas Trade, Credit and Insurance Act) to include Russia for the benefit of British merchants and manufacturers?

Mr. LUNN

This matter is receiving the active attention of His Majesty's Government, and an announcement will be made as soon as possible.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many months of valuable time are being lost and business is constantly being lost to this country in consequence of the delay?

Mr. LUNN

I cannot at the moment say more than is contained in my answer, but I share my hon. and gallant Friend's hope that this matter may be settled as early as possible.