§ 47. Mr. PURCELLasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that the German 1599 Government and German business men have jointly arranged to give a credit of £15,000,000 to assist the development of German export Trade to Russia; whether he is aware that much of this money has been raised on the London market; and whether, as this agreement will give to German manufacturers and exporters an advantage over British manufacturers and exporters, His Majesty's Government intend taking any special measures to assist British firms who are at present trading or intend trading with Russia?
Mr. SAMUELAs regards the first part of the question, I understand that with the assistance of the German Government a credit has been arranged for financing Russo-German trade up to from £6,000,000 to £7,500,000. Credits have not been arranged up to the £15,000,000 originally proposed. With regard to the second part, I am not aware that any of this money has been raised on the London market. With regard to the third part, I would refer the hon. Member to the speech of the President of the Board of Trade on 10th March last.
§ Mr. TAYLORCan the hon. Member say whether or not an Anglo-German Trust has been formed in London, for the purpose of financing this business during the last month, with which Lord Ashfield is connected?
§ Mr. PURCELLIs it not the fact that in the case of the recent large loan that was raised, a large amount was subscribed from this country?
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that the German Government could hardly afford to back this loan now if it were not for the German Government loan of £18,000,000 obtained in this country 12 months ago?
§ Mr. MARDY JONESIs it not a well-known fact in money circles in this 1600 country that a great deal of the money we advanced to Germany is used by Germany to capture trade in Russia which would otherwise come to us?