HC Deb 02 March 1937 vol 321 cc161-2
34. Mr. Thorne

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of paint, varnishes, and dyes exported to Russia during the year ended December, 1936, and the week ended 15th February, 1937, or the nearest available date; and what was the value of the same material imported into Russia from Germany for the same period?

Mr. Runciman

During the II months ended November, 1936, the value of colours, dyes, varnishes, etc., imported into the Soviet Union from the United Kingdom and Germany amounted to 270,000 roubles and 4,404,000 roubles, respectively. Comparable particulars for any later period are not yet available.

Mr. Thorne

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it rather strange that, while the two countries in question are at loggerheads politically, they can kiss one another when it comes to trade?