§ 21. Mr. H. G. Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give an undertaking not to renew the Anglo-Soviet financial credit agreement without securing a settlement of all outstanding difficulties, including those relating to public and private debts, nor without provision as to arbitration in respect of future difficulties that may arise; and will he also undertake, in connection 3506 with future negotiations, to consult the various commercial and industrial interests affected in the United Kingdom?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Oliver Stanley)As I stated in the House on 22nd June, the question of entering into another guarantee or credit agreement with the Soviet Government is not at present under consideration, nor has any such proposal so far been made by either party to the present agreement. In the event of any negotiations taking place, however, the several matters mentioned by my hon. Friend will, of course, be given the fullest consideration. As regards the second part of the Question, I can assure my hon. Friend that, if any negotiations take place, I shall follow the normal practice of consulting the United Kingdom interests concerned, though as regards any negotiations, His Majesty's Government must reserve to themselves the right to determine whom they will consult in each particular case.