§ 40. Sir W. Davisonasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what was the total value of goods purchased from Germany by the Russian Soviet Government in 1936 and the total value of goods sold by the Russian Soviet Government to Germany during the same period?
§ Mr. R. S. Hudson (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)Information as to purchases is not available, but during the year 1936 exports from Germany to the Soviet Union were valued at 126,000,000 662 Reichsmarks, while imports into Germany from the Soviet Union were valued at 93,000,000 Reichsmarks.
§ Sir W. DavisonCan my right hon. Friend say how it is that there is such a large balance in favour of Germany in this trade between Germany and Russia, and exactly the opposite in the trade between this country and Russia? What is the reason?
§ Mr. GallacherIs not the difference explained by the heavy rate of interest that the British financiers impose upon Soviet Russia?
§ Sir W. DavisonSurely, the Minister must have some explanation of this very large discrepancy in the two cases?
§ Mr. HudsonI suppose there is an explanation, and if my hon. Friend will put down a question I will see whether we can provide it.