HC Deb 24 March 1925 vol 182 cc205-6
3. Mr. MAXTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether His Majesty's Government has now decided to cancel the Board of Trade Order excluding Russia from the Overseas Trade Acts and Trade Facilities Acts; and whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to publish this decision in the daily press and in trade journals for the information of British manufacturers and exporters?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part, accordingly, does not arise.

Mr. MAXTON

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it is time that this question was seriously considered and settled by the Government, when he has good advisory committees on both these matters that would give a reasonable decision?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

It is precisely because it has received careful consideration that I have given the answer I have given, and I have no doubt that, until Russia creates a condition in which credits are possible, both advisory committees will decline to entertain applications.

Mr. MACKINDER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that credits are actually being arranged through bankers which should be done under this scheme?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

No, Sir. No credit which can be done through a banker ought to be done under this scheme.