§ 34. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will be in a position to make a statement of the progress made in the negotiations for a trade agreement with Russia before the House rises?
37. Mr. BOOTH BYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any further information regarding the negotiations for a trade agreement between Great Britain and the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe negotiations for a new trade agreement with the Soviet Government are still proceeding. I am not in a position to make any further statement at the present moment.
§ Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYCan the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that, agreement or no agreement, the present unfavourable balance of trade between this country and Russia will not be allowed to continue indefinitely?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANOne of the objects of an agreement is to bring the totals on the two sides nearer to each other.
§ Mr. MACLEANCan the right hon. Gentleman give the House a definite statement before the Adjournment on Thursday as to what progress is being made in this matter?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo. Sir.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYI wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House on Thursday.