§ 28. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has received any invitation to associate an official of his Department with the proposed delegation from British industry to Russia, which is being organised by the Anglo-Russian Committee of Dean's Yard, Westminster?
§ Mr. HACKINGThe answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNTo whom should the members of this delegation of British business men turn for protection or guidance of any kind when in Russia?
§ Mr. HACKINGI do not think that question should be addressed to me.
§ Mr. WELLOCKDoes the hon. Member hold the same view that he held a short time ago, that Russia is on the point of an economic collapse?
§ Mr. BENNIf this is a deputation seeking trade overseas, has the hon. Member no interest in their protection or guidance when they get there?
§ Mr. HACKINGThat is not a question which should he addressed to me. My Department is not responsible for giving protection over there.
§ Mr. SHINWELLDoes the hon. Member not wish to encourage this deputation?
§ Mr. HACKINGWe have not been asked yet.
§ Mr. J. HUDSONIs the Overseas Trade Department not in a position to give advice on technical details connected with this deputation, and is the hon. Member not prepared to take some initiative?
§ Mr. HACKINGThat is a hypothetical question. When we are asked to give assistance, we will consider the matter.
§ Mr. WELLOCKIn view of the lack of knowledge of the economic situation in Russia, is it not necessary that the Department should send a representative?
§ Mr. SHINWELLDoes this not prove that there are trading interests in the country with much more sense than the British Government?