§ 8. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fresh evidence available, he will appoint a small committee to take the evidence of certain persons who have lately been in Russia in regard to the labour conditions prevailing in the Russian timber trade?
Mr. A. HENDERSONI have considered the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion, but, as I informed the hon. Member for South Kensington on Monday last, I fear that, without the provision of any facilities on the part of the Soviet Government, no inquiry would be satisfactory or effective, and, therefore, that no useful purpose could or would be achieved by the appointment of such a committee. I shall, however, as I stated on the same occasion, continue to watch the situation closely in case I should find any reason to modify this view.
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONIs there any reason whatever why the Foreign Secretary or someone on his behalf should not interview captains or men of our own ships who can tell him the conditions under which the timber is loaded on British ships?
Mr. HENDERSONIf I thought it would be useful, I might be prepared to 376 do so, but I do not think it would serve a useful purpose.
Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLWill the right hon. Gentleman consider taking the same steps as the United States Government have taken in precluding the discharge of any timber unless it can be proved that it was not loaded in the manner suggested in the question?
Mr. ERNEST WINTERTONHas the right hon. Gentleman seen an article in which Mr. J. H. Stewart declared that some of these suggestions are without foundation?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODrose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe can only deal with one question at a time.