HC Deb 22 February 1932 vol 262 c15
45. Commander OLIVER LOCKERLAMPSON

asked the Prime Minister whether he will set up a committee of Members of the House of Commons to meet Soviet representatives and settle outstanding private debts of British citizens?

The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Baldwin)

In view of the position disclosed in the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to my hon. Friend the Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on 2nd February, I do not think that the constitution of a new committee would serve any useful purpose at present.

Commander LOCKER - LAMPSON

What good has the late committee done?

Mr. BALDWIN

I am afraid about as much good as the new one would.

Commander LOCKER-LAMPSON

May we have a new committee and try?

Mr. BALDWIN

If my hon. and gallant Friend will refer to the answer given by the Foreign Secretary, when he was asked what was the alternative policy, he will see that he said the whole matter was under active consideration. I assume that it occupies the same place now.

Commander LOCKER - LAMPSON

There has never been a committee of this House to meet the Soviet representatives.

Mr. BALDWIN

I am afraid that this is hardly the time to argue the effectiveness of that proposition.

Mr. MAXTON

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the new social entente between the National Government and the Soviet Embassy might help a little in this matter?