HC Deb 25 May 1927 vol 206 cc1981-2
5. Mr. RILEY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the provisions of the Trade Agreement of 1921 between Great Britain and the Soviet Government of Russia are still in force; and, if not, when they ceased to be in force and for what reasons?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

They are still in force, but His Majesty's Government propose to terminate them for the reasons stated by the Prime Minister yesterday.

Mr. RILEY

Is it not a fact that the Agreement provided that the personnel should be free from search—that is, such personnel as might be agreed upon by both parties—and that in the event of either party having reason to complain of a violation of the Agreement, the aggrieved party should first invite an explanation from the party alleged to have violated the Agreement?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not think it would be convenient that I should attempt, in reply to a supplementary question, to state the limits of the privileges conferred by the Agreement on the Trade Delegation. As regards notice, full notice was given of our complaints in the Note that was addressed to the Soviet representative in February last.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how this decision will affect big engineering firms on the Clyde that are carrying on great contracts with Russia at the present time?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

There is no reason why it should interfere with any legitimate business.