17. Mr. GILBERTasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there are at present any restrictions on British shipping entering or leaving Russian ports under the control of the Soviet Government; if so, will he state generally what such restrictions are; and whether Russian vessels are allowed to enter and leave British ports on the same conditions as all other shipping?
Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEY (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I have been asked to answer this question. Apart from some minor difficulties experienced by British vessels at, certain Russian ports, I am not aware of any restriction imposed by the Soviet Government on British shipping. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. SHINWELLDoes that answer imply that the treatment meted out to British shipping by the Russian Soviet Government is not much more equitable than the treatment meted out by Portugal, which is one of our Allies?
§ Viscount CURZONWill the hon. Gentleman compare notes with his colleague who represents the Foreign Office with regard to British shipping in the White Sea?