HC Deb 17 July 1933 vol 280 cc1519-20
35. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is his intention to sign any trade agreement with Russia before the reassembly of Parliament after the Recess?

Dr. BURGIN

As my hon. Friend is aware, the negotiations for a new trade agreement with the Soviet Government have only just been resumed. I cannot at this stage say when they are likely to be concluded.

Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Can the hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that no such agreement will be signed before the House has had an opportunity of discussing the matter?

Dr. BURGIN

No, Sir, I can give no such assurance.

Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

Will the hon. Gentleman give the assurance given by the Foreign Office, that the case of the Lena Goldfields will appear in the agreement, and also the claim of the British creditors; and that no temporary agreement will be entered into before these British claims are dealt with? Can I have a reply to that question?

Mr. SPEAKER

Mr. Kirkwood.

36. Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in connection with the renewal of trade negotiations with the Russian Government, he has any information as to what orders that Government is prepared to place with engineering firms in this country; and whether he can tell the House the amount of wood about to be shipped from Russia to this country for house-building purposes?

Dr. BURGIN

I regret that I have no information regarding the matters to which the hon. Member refers.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Will the President of the Board of Trade do all that he possibly can to open up trade with Russia, as we are very much in need of it, in the West of Scotland in particular?