RUSSIA (TRADE AGREEMENT). (Hansard, 12 February 1934)

§ 38. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Anglo-Russian trade agreement has yet been signed?

§ Lieut.-Colonel JOHN COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)
No, Sir, not yet.

§ Mr. BOOTHBY
Can my hon. and gallant Friend say when?

§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE
No, Sir, but I can say that we are at the stage of drafting, and it is important to secure a satisfactory draft and one that is not open to any misunderstanding on either side. No time is being lost in that work.

§ Lieut.-Commander AGNEW
Will it be a temporary or a permanent agreement?

§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE
That has already been explained.

§ Mr. HANNON
Before this agreement is signed, will there be any consultations with the trade organisations of the country as to their attitude?

§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE
Consultations with trade organisations have been held during the negotiations.

Duchess of ATHOLL
Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman had any consultations with representatives of agriculture as to the harm that is being done by the dumping of Russian butter and other agricultural products?