§ 28. Mr. WOMERSLEYasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will visit Northampton and endeavour to persuade the local firms to accept from the Soviet Delegation their order for 3,000,000 pairs of boots and shoes subject to payment five years after delivery of the goods?
§ Mr. GILLETTNo, Sir. It is not the policy of my Department to encourage exporters to give credits far in excess of those normally required for the goods which they are exporting.
§ Mr. WOMERSLEYAm I to presume that the Government have no faith whatever in Russia paying up her obligations?
§ 29. Sir A. KNOXasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether any negotiations are in progress with the Soviet delegation in order to purchase 3,000,000 pairs of boots and shoes of British manufacture on the terms of the order already offered to Northampton firms?
§ Mr. GILLETTNo, Sir, not so far as my Department is concerned.
§ Mr. MALONEWill the hon. Gentleman take an early opportunity of instructing the hon. Members concerned as to the real facts?
§ Mr. GILLETTI think that hon. Members already know the facts.