HC Deb 10 May 1933 vol 277 cc1514-5
32. Mr. PIKE

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total number of applications made and the total number granted in accordance with the provisions of licence contained in Part 2 of the Russian Goods (Import Prohibition) Act, 1933?

Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

Sixty-seven applications have been received for licences under Section 2 of the Act. Eleven of these applications have been granted.

Mr. PI KE

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether these licences have been granted in strict accordance with Part 11 of the Act and also give the reasons for those which have been refused?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

The general criterion in dealing with applications for licences is whether payment for the goods imported had been substantially made before the date of the embargo.

Mr. PIKE

Is there any truth in the published statement that a licence would be granted if evidence could be produced of payment having been made before the date of the Act coming into force?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I have indicated in my supplementary answer the lines on which the Government are proceeding.

Mr. LYONS

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell the House the nature of the goods in respect of which licences have been granted?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

Not in answer to a supplementary question.