4. Mr. BECKETTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any export credits have been granted to Poland, and, if so, what amount?
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUEL (Secretary Overseas Trade Department)Since the introduction of the guarantee system in 1921, guarantees amounting to £601,545 have been given by the Export Credits Department in respect of the export of British goods to Poland.
Mr. BECKETTIs it the policy of the Board of Trade to satisfy themselves of the settled nature of the Government of a country before granting credits?
§ Mr. SAMUELThe question as to whether an export credit should be guaranteed for British goods exported to Poland rests entirely with the Export Credits Committee.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that part of the credit given to Poland was for the development of the beet sugar industry, to compete with our own?
§ Mr. SAMUELThe Committee, which is a very capable one, looks into every point in connection with all applications, and would, therefore, consider that factor.
§ Mr. TAYLORCan the hon. Gentleman say whether any loss has been incurred by the British taxpayer on this transaction?
§ Mr. SPEAKERPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that question down.