§ 39. Mr. HACKINGasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has any information which he could give the House regarding the inducements such as credit facilities offered by the Government of the United States of America to their exporters to assist them in their trade with the Soviet Republic of Russia?
§ Mr. GILLETTThe information at my disposal does not indicate that the Government of the United States of America offer to exporters in that country who wish to trade with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics any facilities of the kind to which the right hon. Member refers.
§ Mr. HACKINGIn view of the fact that the United States sell far more goods to Soviet Russia than we do, what is the necessity for us giving such assistance?
§ Mr. BENSONSurely that is a reason why assistance should be given by us—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe question was addressed to the Minister.
§ Mr. GILLETTI think it is quite obvious that the answer is that there 1053 seems to be need for some financial support if the goods are to be sold.
§ 40. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will state what guarantees have been given by the Export Credits Departments in respect of exports from Great Britain to Russia of tractors, tanks, and other warlike stores during the last 12 months?
§ Mr. GILLETTNo guarantees have been given under the Export Credits Guarantee Scheme in respect of any munitions of war, which are excluded by Statute from the scope of the scheme.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEDoes that mean that Soviet Russia paid cash for all the munitions of war and engines of destruction ordered from this country within the last 12 months?
§ Mr. GILLETTIt is impossible for me definitely to answer what their arrangements may be with private firms. All I can speak for is in regard to export credits.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the heads of the firms concerned supported the party opposite?