§ 32. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether it is the intention of his Department to despatch an economic mission to Soviet Russia?
§ Mr. GILLETTNo such mission is at present under contemplation.
§ Mr. W. J. BROWNIn view of the very prominent part which the revival of trade with Russia bore in the recent Election campaign, will the hon. Gentleman say why it is not proposed to send a mission to Russia?
§ Mr. GILLETTI am afraid that would be a rather long explanation to give in answer to a question.
§ Mr. BECKETTWould the hon. Gentleman ask the Russians to send one to him?
§ 33. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in connection with the consideration of the despatch of an economic mission to the Far East, the appropriate organisations representing industry were consulted or whether consultation only took place with individual industrialists?
§ Mr. GILLETTThe recommendation to send an economic mission to the Far East was made by the Overseas Trade Development Council. On that Council are leading industrialists representative of industry as a whole. Subsequent consultations have taken place with leading organisations affected, and in particular, in view of the importance of the cotton trade, with the Joint Committee of Cotton Trade Organisations.
§ Mr. HANNONHas the hon. Gentleman consulted any other trade organisation, such as the Association of Chambers of Commerce or the Federation of British Industries, representing industry as a whole?
§ Mr. BROCKWAYrose—
§ Mr. BROCKWAYAre any representatives of the Co-operative movement being asked to join this mission?
§ Mr. GILLETTOther organisations have been consulted. If the hon. Member for Moseley (Mr. Hannon) wants to know which organisations, perhaps he will put down a question.
§ Mr. BROWNHow many Labour representatives are on this Overseas Trade Development Council, to whose recommendations so much importance is attached?
§ Mr. BROCKWAYOn a point of Order. I put to the hon. Gentleman a question which, I think, was perfectly in order, arising out of a previous answer. Can I not have an answer?
§ Mr. GILLETTPerhaps the hon. Member for East Leyton (Mr. Brockway) will give me notice of his question.