§ 45. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Prime Minister whether he can give an assurance that no trade agreement will be signed with Russia before the House has had an opportunity of discussing the principles of Russian trade in the light of recent events?
§ The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Baldwin)In the event of a trade agreement being signed during the Recess, opportunity will be given, if desired, for the House to discuss such agreement before ratification.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODDoes that mean to say that whether the House is sitting or not there is a possibility of a trade agreement being fixed up with Russia?
§ Mr. BALDWINPerhaps the hon. Member has forgotten that the executive have full power, and have always exercised it, to enter into such agreements. It is only during recent years that the practice has become general of laying such agreements on the Table of the House for 21 days, and I have given an assurance that before ratification there will, if desired, be a Debate,