HC Deb 01 March 1926 vol 192 cc1019-21
52. Mr. MacKENZIE LIVINGSTONE

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the difficulties confronting the Scottish herring industry; and whether he is prepared to take steps to encourage trade between this country and Russia, and thus give employment in the fishing industry to many thousands who are now unemployed?

Mr. SAMUEL

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the answers which were given to the hon. Members for Mile End and Merthyr on the 9th and the 16th February, respectively, copies of which will be sent to him.

Mr. MACLEAN

As there is an Export Credit scheme, cannot the herring fisheries be brought under it?

Mr. SAMUEL

That question was fully debated in the early hours of Tuesday last. May I refer the hon. Member to the OFFICIAL REPORT, or I will send him a copy.

Mr. MACLEAN

Cannot the hon. Gentleman answer a question put to him with courtesy in an equally courteous manner? He is quite well aware that I get a copy of the OFFICIAL REPORT sent me. Since that Debate took place have not he and his Department considered the matter further with a view to bringing it under the scheme?

Mr. SAMUEL

I did not intend any disrespect to the hon. Member. The simple fact is this. It was stated the other night that we have considered the matter. The credit balance due to Russia over their trade with us in the last two years was £15,000,000. Let the Russian Government use that credit to buy British herring. That would solve the troubles of fishing folk in Britain; they could receive payment without using the British Government's export credits.

Mr. LIVINGSTONE

Will the Government not agree to some further inquiries into the matter to see whether something more cannot be done?

Mr. SAMUEL

No inquiry is necessary. The sellers of British goods have only to induce the Russian Government to use the money due on balance here to Russia.

Mr. MACLEAN

Have not other nations got a balance to their credit as well, and are we not giving export credits to firms who are dealing with that country? Why single out Russia?