§ 34. Mr. McELWEEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Russian doors are available at London and Hull at 5s. 10d. each after the payment of transport across Europe to an ice-free port, and that the cost of the same rough timber at the same ports is 6s. per door; and will he ascertain why the raw material is dearer since it may be imported as a deck cargo?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMI understand that the doors are offered at the price stated if taken in very large quantities, but my information is that timber of the kind used in them is obtainable in this country at a much lower cost than is indicated in the question.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs that price not due to the fact that it was the product of slave labour?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI can never agree with that suggestion.
§ 42. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the reactions on the commerce of this country, he will issue a White Paper giving as full information as is possible of the progress of the five-year plan in Soviet Russia?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI would refer the lion. Member to the reply given on this subject to the hon. Member for Newcastle North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle) on 23rd March, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.