HC Deb 28 July 1931 vol 255 cc2081-2
1. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKING

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the imports from Soviet Russia and the value of the exports to Soviet Russia for the half-year ended 30th June, 1931?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. William Graham)

During the six months ended the 30th June, 1931, the declared value of the merchandise imported into the United Kingdom and registered as consigned from the Soviet Union was £11,386,000. During the same period the exports of United Kingdom goods to the Soviet Union amounted to £3,241,000, and exports of imported merchandise to £971,000.

Mr. HACKING

Does the right hon. Gentleman still consider that this is mutual trading between this country and Russia?

Mr. GRAHAM

That, of course, requires a long reply. The short reply is that exports to Russia are increasing, and I should have thought that that was a very desirable thing.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of the exports of this country are guaranteed?

Mr. GRAHAM

That was explained very fully in the Debate the other day. A very large proportion is guaranteed.

Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

Can the President of the Board of Trade say what is going to happen to the balance?