HC Deb 07 November 1933 vol 281 cc5-6
8. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any trade agreement has yet been signed with Russia; and, if so, in what terms?

9. Mr. MANDER

asked the President of the Board of Trade the present position with regard to negotiations for an Anglo-Russian trade agreement?

10. Mr. T. SMITH

asked the President of the Board of Trade the present position of the negotiations with the Soviet Government for a new trade agreement?

12. Mr. SMITHERS

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement and give the present position of the negotiations for a trade agreement with the Soviet Government?

17. Mr. MITCHESON

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is in a position to make any statement with regard to the future commercial relationships between this country and Soviet Russia?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)

Negotiations are still proceeding with the Soviet Delegation. Progress has been made but it is too early yet to make any more detailed statement on the subject.

Mr.ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in August, Russia imported into this country more than £2,000,000 worth of goods, whereas we sent to Russia only a few hundred thousand pounds worth of goods; and will not the Government take action to prevent this unsatisfactory balance of trade until some agreement can be reached?

Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the herring fishing industry is anxiously awaiting the result of these negotiations, and can he give some idea whether an agreement is likely to be reached within the next week or so?

Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the last temporary agreement with the Soviet lasted for 12 years, and will he see that a definite statement is made with regard to the claims of British nationals, and that they are not put off by being told that there will be a subsequent treaty?

Mr. T. GRIFFITHS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that America is entering into negotiations with Russia—.

Mr. SPEAKER

That question does not arise out of the answer.

Mr. RUNCIMAN

All these various facts will be taken into consideration.

Sir W. DAVISON

Cannot the question of British nationals be dealt with in this agreement?