HC Deb 26 July 1938 vol 338 cc2889-90
18. Commander Marsden

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the serious adverse balance of this country's trade, to which the Federation of British Industries has recently called the Government's attention, steps will be taken to negotiate a new trade agreement with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, under which the object of the 1934 trade agreement, namely, the increase of the purchase by Russia of British-manufactured goods, will be accomplished in place of being evaded by Russia as at present?

Mr. Stanley

I would refer to the answer which I gave the hon. and gallant Member for Peebles (Captain Ramsay) on 21st June.

Mr. A. Bevan

On a point of Order. May I direct your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the end of the question and to ask whether it is in order for an accusation of that sort to be levelled at a country with whom we are on friendly terms?

Mr. Speaker

I wish the House would always conform to the rule not to do so.