§ 40. Mr. HURDasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether it is proposed to extend British Government credit for the sale of Cuban sugar to the Russian Soviet Government, and what are the details of the proposal; and whether any similar use of British credit is being made for the benefit of the distressed sugar-growing Colonies of the British Empire?
§ 41. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether a credit has recently been 788 granted under the export credits system to enable a transaction to be completed with the Soviet Government in respect of a purchase of sugar; and, if so, whether he can state upon what terms the business was completed?
§ 42. Captain GUNSTONasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in any further guarantees which he may authorise in connection with the export credits scheme regarding the exportation of sugar to foreign countries, he will insist that only sugar grown within the Empire and refined in Great Britain should receive the benefit of the scheme?
§ Mr. GILLETTIt is not the practice to give particulars of individual transactions carried out with the assistance of the Export Credits Guarantee Scheme, but facilities have been given in connection with the export to Russia of sugar refined in this country. The object of the scheme being to assist British exporters, no conditions as to the origin of the raw sugar employed are made.
§ Mr. HURDDo I understand that it is a fact that any proposal affecting the sugar colonies in the West Indies will receive at least equal treatment?
§ Mr. GILLETTYes, Sir. The Committee will always give any proposals that are in order the most careful attention.
§ Mr. R. A. TAYLORIs not the Advisory Committee thoroughly representative of the Conservative party?
§ Captain MACDONALDIn view of the condition of the West Indian sugar industry, and the need of every assistance being given to it at the present time, is it not advisable that the present Government should insist that only British sugar should be exported under this credit scheme?
§ Mr. GILLETTIt is very difficult for the Advisory Committee to impose terms of that kind. Naturally, they would only be too pleased to support proposals put before them on the lines suggested by the hon. Member, but I believe that it would be quite impossible to make it an absolute condition.
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELWill the hon. Member request the Advisory Committee to see that His Majesty's Government are 789 not guarantors of Soviet paper to such an extent as will hamper our policy when the inevitable break arises?