§ 27. Sir A. KNOXasked the President of the Board of Trade what sums were due from the Government and trade organisations of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on 1st January last in payment for goods supplied from this country; and what sums were still due on 30th September last?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe information for which my hon. and gallant Friend asks 1504 cannot be given, as it relates to a number of transactions with individual firms in this country. If my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the activities of the Export Credits Guarantee Department, he will be interested to know that the sums repaid on account of bills guaranteed by that Department amounted during the nine months ended 30th September, 1934, to £5,200,000.
§ Sir A. KNOXIs it not necessary to know the sums still due in order to make the balance according to the Anglo-Russian Trade Agreement at the end of the year?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have no doubt that, we shall be able to reach an approximate figure, but I cannot give the figures of individual firms.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs it not a, fact that firms and co-operative societies are satisfied with the way in which their claims are being met?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot answer for the co-operative societies, but I have no doubt a great number of firms are satisfied, otherwise they would not continue to trade.
§ Mr. D. GRENFELLIs there any case of default or apprehended default in this matter?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot say whether there is any apprehended default, but I can say that as far as the Export Credits Guarantee Department is concerned there has been no default.