§ 6. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the President of the Board of Trade when the Government will be able to announce the completion of the negotiations for a diplomatic and trading agreement between Great Britain and Russia?
§ 28. Mr. BOOTHBYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any further information regarding the negotiations for a trade agreement between this country and the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams).
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the terrible amount of unemployment in the shipbuilding and engineering industries of this country, and of the fact that they are only waiting for these negotiations to be carried to a successful conclusion to get a good deal of work in the shipbuilding and heavy engineering industries of this country in connection with Russia?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes, Sir, I am very well aware of the amount of unemployment in the shipbuilding and marine engineering industry. That is one of the things that we have in view in connection with all these matters.
§ Mr. THORNEWhat are the fundamental reasons why you cannot come to an understanding on this question?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWe are coming to an understanding.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODOwing to the unsatisfactory reply I have received, I shall ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House on this question immediately questions are over.