§ 29. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKINGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now satisfied, after examination of certain documents which have been submitted to him, that Russian timber being imported into this country is produced by convict labour?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThe documents submitted by the right hon. Member lend 1086 support to the allegations which have been made in the House that some forced labour, including that of prisoners, is employed in the timber industry in the Soviet Union.
§ Mr. HACKINGIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to take action under the powers that he possesses under the Foreign (Prison Made) Goods Act, so that this timber may be kept out of this country?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThat is precisely the problem. I should doubt whether this, in fact, comes under that Act, which of course relates to penetentiaries, houses of correction and prisons, but my view at the moment is that it is not covered by that Act.
§ Mr. HACKINGDoes not the right hon. Gentleman admit that this timber is made up by convict labour?
§ Sir ASSHETON POWNALLIs the matter still under consideration, or has the right hon. Gentleman come to a definite decision with regard to it?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI am not clear what decision the hon. Member means. If it is a decision to prohibit importation, then there is no suggestion to that effect at this time.
§ Captain PETER MACDONALDHas the right hon. Gentleman consulted the Law Officers of the Crown on this question?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman apply to this question of forced labour in Russia exactly the same principles that he applies to the question of forced labour in Africa and other countries?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI should not like to reply with regard to any other part of the world at the moment. On the legal point, I should require notice of any questions.
§ Captain CROOKSHANKWill the right hon. Gentleman take the same action as the United States Government have taken?