§ 25. Sir A. POWNALLasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he can give any information as to the negotiations for reciprocal trading arrangements between France and Russia?
§ Major COLVILLE (Secretary, Department of Overseas Trade)References to these negotiations have appeared in the Press, but I have no official information of the progress, if any, which has been made.
§ Sir. A. POWNALLWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman make inquiries?
§ Major COLVILLEI have asked for a report on the subject.
§ Sir W. DAVISONHas the attention of the Overseas Secretary been called to the report of the British Chambers of Commerce to the effect that export credits to Russia should be reviewed, and does he not think, in view of that fact, that the question of export credits should be reviewed?
§ Major COLVILLEI am fully aware of the report mentioned, and the whole matter is under consideration.
§ Mr. LUNNHave the powers of this House been transferred to the Association of the Chambers of Commerce?
§ Major COLVILLENo, Sir, the responsibility rests with the Government.
§ Mr. BUCHANANDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman not think that it is time this dictation by the Chambers of Commerce was stopped?
§ Major COLVILLEThere is no question of dictation whatever.