HC Deb 18 March 1926 vol 193 cc597-9
73. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he is aware of the trading relations between the Soviet Union and the United States of America; if he is aware that the trading companies which carry on Soviet-American trade had a turnover of $103,767,657 in the financial year ending October 1924–25; that the turnover is nearly double that of the previous year, and breaks all records for Russian trade with the United States of America; that of this turnover exports from the United States of America amounted to $87,083,022, and imports from the Soviet Union amounted to $16,679,6,35; that the total of Russian-American trade in 1913 was $46,000,000; and if he can state whether the Government are prepared to help traders and manufacturers in this country in every way possible to extend the trade with the Soviet Union?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

My attention has been drawn to certain figures relating to trade between the United States and the Soviet Union which are given in a publication issued by the Soviet Trade Delegation, and which I presume are those to which the hon. Member refers. As regards the last part of the question, the Department of Overseas Trade is always ready to afford any information in its power to persons who may approach the Department in regard to trade with the Soviet Union.

Mr. THORNE

Are the Government doing anything to obtain some of this trade, and does the right hon. Gentleman recognise the tremendous headway which America is making with Russian trade?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The position of the Government is exactly the same as that of the American Government. Both Governments leave their nationals perfectly free to trade with Russia. Neither gives Government credit.

Major-General Sir A. KNOX

Is it not a fact that the Government of America consistently refused to recognise the Soviet Government in any form; and may not that be the reason for this so-called "boom" in American trade with Russia?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I believe the fact is as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend, but I do not know what conclusions of cause and effect are to be drawn from it. As regards the attitudes of the respective Governments towards the giving of credits, their attitudes are identical.

Mr. THORNE

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why American manufacturers are making such tremendous headway in Russia, although both countries decline to recognise the Soviet Government?

Mr. SPEAKER

Not at Question Time.