§ 24. Mr. DAVID GRENFELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the absence of any proclamation under the Russian Goods Bill, it is proposed to continue temporarily the Russian trade agreement?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, Sir.
§ Mr. GRENFELLDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the interests of employment in this country require that the present conditions should be maintained until there is something better to take their place? Will not the right hon. Gentleman say whether the interests of the unemployed are being considered, or whether he contemplates the unemployment of an additional number of men?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, Sir, their interests are being taken into account.
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the absence of the agreement would prevent anybody from trading?
§ Sir HERBERT SAMUELCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is contemplated that present and pending transactions in Russian trade will continue after the termination of the trade agreement?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, Sir, I can say nothing whatever at the present moment in regard to our relations with Russia.