§ 51. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now received any official protest from the Canadian Government regarding the treaty entered into by Timber Distributors, Limited, with the Soviet Government; and what was the nature of his reply?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)In view of the suggestion made in some quarters that the Board of Trade have already had three protests from the Canadian Government, it is necessary that I should inform the House that the first intimation of representations under Article 21 of the Ottawa Agreement reached the Board of Trade late on the 18th February. I was en 520 gaged at the British Industries Fair on the morning of the 19th February and I was not aware at Question Time that this communication had then reached my Department. I received yesterday a letter from the Canadian High Commissioner in London enclosing a memorandum of the views of His Majesty's Government in Canada in regard to the Russian timber situation. The whole question is under consideration.
§ Captain MACDONALDCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to make a decision on this matter in view of its urgency?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWe shall arrive at an early decision, but I should not like to name a date yet.
Duchess of ATHOLLAre we entitled to understand that the Canadian authorities are making strong protests against the proposed agreement?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAs I have said, I received yesterday a letter from the Canadian High Commissioner in London enclosing a memorandum embodying the views of His Majesty's Government in Canada.
Duchess of ATHOLLWill the right hon. Gentleman answer my question which is whether those views are protesting against or approving of the proposed agreement?