HC Deb 09 May 1927 vol 206 cc26-8
41. Mr. TAYLOR

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Economic Conference of the League of Nations will, in view of the Russian decision to participate in the conference, be requested by the British delegates to discuss the problem of the debt settlement and other outstanding questions between Russia and other countries, including Great Britain?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The British delegates to the Economic Conference of the League of Nations do not represent His Majesty's Government, and I am therefore unable to say what the conference will be requested to discuss by them.

Mr. TAYLOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his undoubted influence to explore the possibilities of reaching an understanding in this matter?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The delegates to the Economic Conference are not representatives of the Governments of the countries from which they proceed. I do not think it would be proper for me, in these circumstances, to issue any instructions or use influence on them to get them to discuss any particular question.

46. Mr. TAYLOR

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the new means of contact with the Government of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics afforded by its acceptance of the invitation to take part in the Economic Conference of the League of Nations; and whether he will take steps to examine the ways in which this opportunity could be utilised for the benefit of British trade?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)

I am of course aware of the presence at the Conference of delegates from the Soviet Union, and it is possible that the Conference in the course of its deliberations on international trade may give some attention to the particular problems resulting from the way in which the trade of the Union is conducted. The British delegates have, however, no authority from His Majesty's Government to enter into any undertakings.

Mr. TAYLOR

In view of the importance of this matter to certain commercial interests and workpeople in this country, will the hon. Gentleman use his influence to see that this question is explored, even if it is done unofficially, to see if there is any possibility of a settlement?

Sir B. CHADWICK

As the Foreign Secretary has pointed out, these representatives are not Government representatives. No doubt these matters will come up for discussion, and possibly the delegates may report on them to the bodies whom they represent, but it is not for the Board of Trade to intervene.