14. Captain CAZALETasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he intends to negotiate a new commercial and trade agreement with Soviet Russia, in view of the inequalities operating under the present treaty and the treatment which has been accorded British shipping engaged in trade between this country and Soviet Russia?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANOn the general question of the trade relations with Soviet Russia I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Pudsey and Otley (Mr. Gibson) on 1st July. As regards the position of British shipping, I am hopeful that, as a result of recent discussions between the Chamber of Shipping and the Soviet Chartering Organisations, more British ships will be employed in the trade between this country and Russia.
Captain CAZALETDoes my right hon. Friend think it fair that in balancing the trade between the two countries the Soviet Government are allowed to count re-exports as exports to this country?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe calculation is the result of an agreement which was entered into, and as long as that agreement lasts, I fear that we must take it into account.