§ 35. Mr. WISEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make any statement as to the negotiations which, arising out of the resolutions of the Ottawa Conference, have taken place with the High Commissioner of Canada or the Agent-General for British Columbia about the proposed purchase by Timber Distributors, Limited, of 450,000 standards of timber from the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics; and whether he will use his influence to obtain any diminution of this quantity?
§ Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLEI am not in a position to make any statement at present, but His Majesty's Government are in close touch with the discussions which are taking place on this matter.
§ Mr. MORGAN JONESMay we take it, then, that this is in accord with the decisions which were reached at Ottawa?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEAs I have said, discussions with the interests concerned are taking place which, I hope, will have a satisfactory issue. I cannot say anything more than that.
§ Mr. JONESMay I have an answer to my question? Do the Government regard this agreement between Canada and the Union of Soviet Republics as any violation of the agreement arrived at between this country and Canada?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe hon. Member is under a misapprehension. There is no agreement.