HC Deb 11 March 1931 vol 249 c1188
56. Mr. SMITHERS

asked the President of the Board of Trade in view of the intensification of output by the syndicates in the various industries in the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics, what steps His Majesty's Government is taking in this country to enable us to compete with the products of Russia in the world markets?

Mr. GILLETT

His Majesty's Government is giving constant attention to the position of export trade and is maintaining the closest relations with the industrial and commercial associations concerned in order to further the efforts being made to meet competition in world markets.

Mr. SMITHERS

Is it not the case that unless some definite action is taken soon the standard of wages and living in this country must inevitably be dragged down to the level of the standards in Russia?