§ 37. Mr. BOOTHBYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether His Majesty's Government propose to enter into negotiations with the Government of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics in order to secure that certain classes of British goods, such as cured herrings, shall be imported into Russia in exchange for the goods which we purchase from them?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMNo such negotiations are in contemplation. I would, however, remind the hon. Member that His Majesty's Government have encouraged exports to Russia by guaranteeing credits under the Export Credits Guarantee Scheme and otherwise. As a result exports to Russia have very materially increased during the past year.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYIs it not a fact that during the last two years the trading results have been very advantageous to Russia and very unfavourable to this country; and, in view of the fact that the Soviet Government controls imports, what is there to prevent His Majesty's 195 Government entering into direct negotiations with the Soviet Government in, order to secure some practical reciprocal trading advantage to this country?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI have said, in reply to previous questions on that point, that you cannot isolate countries in that way and treat the balance on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend. As regards this particular proposal, I fear for reasons which I cannot give in reply to a supplementary question, that it is not really practical politics at the present time.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs is not a fact that exports of herrings to Russia are paid for by the Russian timber which comes into this country?
§ Mr. BOOTHBYThere is none.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYOh, yes.
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIn the particular circumstances of trade in Russia, is it not possible to isolate trade with Russia with regard to imports and exports even though it is not possible to do so with regard to other countries?
§ Mr. GRAHAMIn reply to the supplementary question of my hon. and gallant Friend, last year 182,000 cwts. of herrings were exported. As regards the second supplementary question, I fear that I must adhere to the previous replies, that I do not think you can isolate international trade in that way.
§ Lord EUSTACE PERCYCan the right hon. Gentleman say why it is possible to negotiate with a foreign capitalist Government to reduce imports but impossible to negotiate with a Socialist Government to raise a boycott?
§ Mr. GRAHAMIn reply to the Noble Lord, I must say that I do not admit his contention for a single moment.
§ Mr. MARLEYAre we to take it that this is a direct inducement on the part of the Opposition for the Government to enter into trading action?
§ 39. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Board is aware that the Russian Soviet Government is preparing to dump some 30,000 tons of soap on the British market, which it is proposed to sell at 196 the price of 1½d. per tablet; and what action the Government intend to take in the matter?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI have seen reports in the Press that soap is being imported from Russia and sold at low prices, but I have no information as to the quantities it is proposed to import. As regards the last part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Kingston-on-Thames (Sir G. Penny) on the 3rd November.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWhat is the object of having a Board of Trade at all if it does not concern itself with matters of such vital importance both to trade and to employment?
§ Mr. BOOTHBYOn a point of Order. I should like to give notice, in view of the unsatisfactory replies of the President of the Board of Trade on this question of Russian trade, that I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.