§ 55. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now state by what date he anticipates that the new Anglo-Soviet Commercial Treaty will be completed?
§ 62. Mr. COCKSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement on the present position of the proposed Anglo-Russian Trade Agreement?
§ Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I would refer the hon. Members to the answer which was given yesterday to the hon. Member for Aberdeen East (Mr. Boothby).
§ Mr. MANDERCan the hon. and gallant Member say when the subject will be brought before the House?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI think the White Paper will be available on Monday.
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONWhen will the House have an opportunity of discussing it, and, if necessary, approving it?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThat question must be addressed to the Prime Minister.
§ 59. Mr. CRAVEN-ELLISasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will provide in the agreement with the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics, which is now being negotiated, a clause to the effect that should they have a favourable trade balance in this country this should take the form of a short-term credit without interest, to be placed in this country at the disposition of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics, so that if they so desire it can be liquidated by the purchase of British goods and services?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLENo, Sir. The negotiations with the Soviet Government have been concluded, and it is 2100 therefore impossible for any new proposal to be considered.
§ Mr. CRAVEN-ELLISWill the agreement provide for financial assistance to be given to Russia to purchase British goods?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe hon. Member must await the White Paper.