§ 35. Mr. BURKEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics has carried out its obligations under the exports credits scheme, he will take steps to reduce the guarantee charges; and further, in order to promote the financing of orders by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for heavy machinery and industrial plant, he will take steps for the floating of a medium or long term public loan to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to be expended in this manner?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIn reply to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) on 17th December last. The question of the best means of securing additional orders of the kind referred to from the Soviet Government is under active consideration, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the matter.
§ Mr. PETHERICKAs the balance of trade is heavily in favour of Russia at the present time, is there any reason why they should not increase their purchases from this country?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI hope they will continue to increase their purchases from this country.