§ 13. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will give a list, with value, of the exports to Soviet 1892 Russia since the trade agreement came into operation; and will he state how these exports compare in value with our imports from Soviet Russia during the same period?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEAs the answer involves a detailed statistical statement, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Sir A. KNOXCan the hon. and gallant Member reply to the second part of my question?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEYes. During the period the ratio is rather more than five to two in Russia's favour, but orders placed are not reflected in the returns.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWill the hon. and gallant Member include in the statement the orders which were placed this year as compared with the orders placed last year?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThat is a separate question. It is difficult to make a return of the orders as firms are not bound to let me know what orders have been received.
§ Mr. THORNEWould it not be much better to cultivate trade with Russia rather than with Germany?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEWe desire to cultivate trade with all countries.
§ Following is the statement:
| STATEMENT OF TRADE BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE SOVIET UNION FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY TO MAY, 1934. | ||
| (Figures taken from the accounts of trade and navigation of the United Kingdom.) | ||
| £ | ||
| Exports of United Kingdom, pro-produce and manufacture to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics | 1,375,122 | |
| of which: | £ | |
| Iron and steel manufactures | 529,000 | |
| Non-ferrous metals and manufactures thereof | 397,000 | |
| Machinery and parts thereof | 259,000 | |
| Raw Wool | 94,000 | |
| Chemicals and Drugs | 23,000 | |
| Pottery and Glassware | 16,000 | |
| Vehicles | 8,000 | |
| Cutlery and Hardware | 7,000 | |
| Re-exports of Imported Merchandise to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics | 955,278 | |
| of which: | £ | |
| Rubber | 499,000 | |
| Non-ferrous Metals | 257,000 | |
| Beverages and Cocoa preparations | 83,000 | |
| Chemicals and Drugs | 14,000 | |
| Total Imports into the United Kingdom from the Soviet Union during the same period | 5,770,579 |
§ NOTE.—The Trade Agreement did not actually come into operation till ratification on 21st March, but the schedule of the balance of payments attached thereto provides that it should be retroactive to 1st January, 1934.