HC Deb 11 May 1931 vol 252 cc806-7
41. Sir A. KNOX

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department which three countries were the largest importers of Soviet produce in 1930 and from which three countries the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics imported most goods?

Mr. GILLETT (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

According to the trade returns of the Soviet Union, the countries to which exports from that country were greatest in value were the United Kingdom (£29,600,000), Germany (£21,700,000), and Persia (£6,400,000), and the countries from which imports were greatest in value were the United States of America (£28,000,000), Germany (£26,600,000), and the United Kingdom (£8,500,000).

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Have the Soviet Government expressed their gratitude to this country?

69. Sir K. WOOD

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the new decree of the council of people's commissars limiting the trading rights of foreign firms and companies within Soviet Russia and, particularly, that all contracts made by British and other firms without the permission of the commissariat are invalid; and whether he proposes to make any representations in the matter to the Soviet Government?

Mr. GILLETT

I have seen references to this decree in the Press, but have not yet received a copy of the full text. It is only on receipt of this that it will be possible to judge whether any action is called for on the part of His Majesty's Government.

Sir K. WOOD

Will the hon. Gentleman make some inquiries, so that he may, perhaps, be able to give me an answer?

Mr. GILLETT

I will inquire again shortly as to whether the decree has been received.

Sir W. DAVISON

Would not this be a breach of the Trade Agreement, if the facts are as stated in the question; and does not the hon. Gentleman think it urgent that representations should be made?

Mr. GILLETT

I cannot say anything until I have seen what the decree is.