HC Deb 07 July 1931 vol 254 cc1887-8
12. Major GLYN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government have yet come to a decision to give credit facilities to the Soviet Government for the purpose of constructing merchant vessels in British yards?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

I hope to make a statement on this matter at Question Time on Thursday.

Commander BELLAIRS

Has any decision been come to?

Mr. GRAHAM

I have informed the House that I will deal with it on Thursday.

14. Major GLYN

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many vessels of 1,000 tons, and over, are registered as belonging to the mercantile marine fleet of Soviet Russia; and how do these figures compare with similar ships on the Russian register in 1913–14?

Mr. GRAHAM

According to particulars published by Lloyd's Register of Shipping there were 177 steam and motor vessels of 1,000 tons gross and upwards belonging to the Soviet Union at midyear 1931; the corresponding figure in respect of the former Russian Empire at mid-year 1913 was 273.

25. Major GLYN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has been notified of any inquiries made on behalf of the Russian Government to British shipbuilders for quotations of prices, etc., for the construction of oil-tanker ships or others in British shipyards?

Mr. GRAHAM

I am aware that approaches have from time to time been made to British shipbuilding firms on behalf of the Soviet Government for various classes of ships including oil tankers.

Major GLYN

Does the right hon. Gentleman know of any detailed scheme on which the credits can be based?

Mr. GRAHAM

No, Sir. All sorts of proposals have been discussed, and I could not give particulars of any without notice from the hon. and gallant Gentleman as to which one he had in mind.