§ 22. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has official knowledge of orders for goods to the approximate, value of £15,000,000 which the Russian Government proposes to place in this country; and whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to facilitate the placing of these orders by the application of the Exports Credit Act or otherwise?
Mr. SAMUELAs regards the first part of the question, I have no direct official knowledge, but I am informed that the Chargé d'Affaires of the Soviet Union referred in general terms, during a recent conversation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, to orders which his Government contemplated placing in this country. As regards the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the replies which have been given to previous questions on the subject of the export credits scheme and Russia.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYIs there anything to prevent the Russian Government from devoting a proportion of that money to the purchase of cured herrings if they so desire?
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESIs it true that the Russian Government suggest only paying 10 per cent. of the £15,000,000 in cash?