HC Deb 20 July 1943 vol 391 cc664-5
3. Sir Douglas Hacking

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has seen the memorandum prepared by the proposed organisation to be known as the Anglo-Soviet Co-operative Trading Association; whether he proposes to nominate representatives of Government Departments as members of the council; and whether he has any general statement to make in connection with the proposals contained in the memorandum?

9. Mr. Bellenger

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he was consulted before the publication of the circular issued by an organisation entitled Anglo-Soviet Co-operative Trading Association on which it is proposed that members of the council should consist of members nominated by certain Government Departments, employers' organisations and Trades Union Congress?

Mr. Dalton

My attention has been drawn to these proposals, which I am now considering, and a copy of the circular, to which my hon. Friends refer, was sent to me by my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster (Mr. E. Walkden). As is stated in the circular, none of the Government Departments mentioned had been approached about the proposals, and the Government are not in any way committed to them. But I take the keenest interest in the development of AngloSoviet trade and am most anxious that everything possible shall be done to strengthen our commercial relations with the U.S.S.R.

Sir D. Hacking

But is it right that a Government Department's name should be used on a circular of this kind without any permission being obtained from the Department?

Mr. Dalton

I have made it quite clear that no permission was either sought or obtained. This is a scheme which has been put forward by certain persons, the purpose of which, I understand, is to promote Anglo-Soviet trade. With that object I am in most hearty sympathy, but with this particular way of promoting it I have no concern beyond what I have stated. I am considering it, as I will consider any other suggestions put forward in any other quarter for promoting such trade.

Mr. Ballenger

In view of the irregular manner adopted in using Government Departments in order to impress those to whom they write, will my right hon. Friend look into the matter very carefully and not commit himself to any of the proposals enumerated in this document, as many of us think that an entirely different method should be adopted in order to promote Anglo-Soviet trade?

Mr. Dalton

That may well be so, but I want to make it perfectly clear that I am in no way committed to this scheme, nor are the Government. We will look at this scheme or any other which hon. Members may care to put forward for promoting trade with Russia. This scheme is merely a bright idea, I think, of certain persons, and we are all entitled to our bright ideas.

Sir Herbert Williams

Is it not the case that this document is anonymous and that except for the names of the solicitors there is no indication as to who is promoting it? All sorts of organisations are, by implication, brought in.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Can my right hon. Friend say quite frankly that this scheme is simply an idea promoted by business people, and is supported by Members of Parliament, who are anxious to do something to implement the Atlantic Charter?