§ 36. Mr. ALBERYasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he can state, in sterling value, the amount of any contracts entered into for aeroplane engines and other equipment on behalf of the Soviet Government by the three aeronautical engineers who were authorised to visit this country for that purpose?
§ Mr. GILLETTI regret I have no information in regard to this matter.
§ Mr. ALBERYIs it not the duty of the right hon. Gentleman's Department to ascertain this information?
§ Mr. GILLETTNo, it is not. It has also to be borne in mind that firms may not care to divulge their private business.
§ Mr. MILLSWhen customers are buying material in this country, is it not the usual procedure for their experts to test it before delivery?
§ Mr. GILLETTI presume they would.
§ 37. Major COLVILLEasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether export credits for trade with Russia have been granted in respect of woollen and worsted yarns and woollen and worsted tissues and mixtures?
§ Mr. GILLETTGuarantees in respect of exports to Russia of the goods to which the hon. and gallant Member refers have not been given to any appre- 22 ciable extent under the Export Credits Guarantee Scheme, the demand for such guarantees having been insignificant.