42. Mr. David Adamsasked the President of the Board of Trade when negotiations for a new trade agreement with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics will be inaugurated; and will he keep in view the necessity of securing agreements as to the equitable use of British tonnage in such trade?
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonAs regards the first part of the question, my right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make a statement. The answer to the second part is in the affirmative.
Mr. AdamsCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he anticipates that the negotiations will be initiated?
§ Mr. HudsonI cannot give an exact date, but I hope they will not be long delayed.
Captain CazaletWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the question of British creditors in Russia?
§ Mr. HudsonAll relevant considerations will be borne in mind.