§ 11. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken to conclude a formal treaty of commerce and navigation between the British Government and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, having regard to the temporary nature of the commercial agreement entered into in February, 1934; and whether he will assure the House that this matter will be discussed between himself and the Soviet Government during his forthcoming visit to Russia, having regard to the fact that the temporary agreement has now been in force for over a year?
§ Sir J. SIMONNo steps in the direction suggested have yet been taken. As regards the second part of the question, I cannot make any statement at present.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWas not the House given clearly to understand that the trade agreement was only temporary, and that immediate steps would be taken to start negotiations for a permanent treaty, in which the question of debts would be dealt with, and does the right hon. Gentleman think it is quite fair that, after the lapse of a year, no steps whatever have been started for the negotiation of a permanent treaty?
§ Sir J. SIMONMy hon. Friend is quite right in saying that the agreement was temporary, but I do not think it necessarily follows that it ceases to be temporary because only 12 months have passed.
§ Sir W. DAVISONAre steps to be taken to negotiate a permanent treaty? Have the Government in mind the negotiating of a permanent treaty? Surely we might know that?