§ 30. Mr. Thorneasked the President of the Board of Trade what was the total value of the orders placed by the Soviet trading organisation in the first four months of this year as compared with the January to April period of the preceding year; and whether the £10,000,000 credit agreement is proceeding satisfactorily?
Mr. StanleyI have no information as to the value of the orders placed for United Kingdom goods, but according to a statement published by the Soviet Trade Delegation the total value of the orders placed in the United Kingdom by Soviet trading organisations in the period January to April, 1937, was £8,611,000 as compared with £3,088,000 in the corresponding period of 1936. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. ThorneAm I to understand from the answer of the President of the Board of Trade that officially the Board of Trade keep no records of trade between this country and Soviet Russia?
Mr. StanleyI cannot answer that question from day to day as it arises. They are kept only for specific periods.
§ Mr. BellengerCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether in this case the Soviet Government, or the appropriate body responsible for these goods, are meeting their obligations satisfactorily?