§ 45. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the value of the contracts carried out by Scottish firms for Russia during the past three years; and what action the Government intend to take to ensure that shipbuilding and engineering firms on the Clyde are enabled to obtain credit terms to assist them in carrying out contracts for Russia on the same terms as firms on the continent?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI regret that the information in my possession does not enable me to answer the first part of the question. As regards the second part all relevant considerations will be borne in mind in the trade negotiations with the Russian Government.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODNow that we have shaken hands with Russia and are friends, will the hon. and gallant Member approach Russia on these lines in order to give them extended credit, in the same way as extended credit is given to Germany? Is not the hon. and gallant Member aware of the fact that in the West of Scotland one of the biggest engineering firms—he knows it well—is now almalgamated with a German firm in order to get orders to Germany?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI cannot anticipate the negotiations, but all relevant facts will be borne in mind.
§ Mr. SMITHERSIn view of the figures, is it not obvious now that no credits at all are necessary?