§ 4. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now make a full statement on the consultations that have taken place on post-war trade with the U.S.S.R.; who have taken part in the talks; and have any private firms been involved in any form.
§ Mr. DaltonThese discussions, as I stated in reply to my hon. Friend on 16th May last, are being carried on between His Majesty's Embassy in Moscow and the Soviet Government and are proceeding. The discussions are between Governments and no private firms are, therefore, involved in them. But, as I informed my hon. Friend, a number of manufacturers in this country are, I am glad to say, in touch with Soviet representatives about post-war business.
§ Mr. SmithIn view of the fact that this country has strained itself in its war contribution more than any other country, will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that all possible steps are being taken to bring about the maximum trade between this country and the Soviet Union?
§ Mr. DaltonYes, Sir; we are very anxious to do all we can on both sides. As I said in the reply which I have already quoted, there have been consultations in Moscow between His Majesty's Government and the Soviet Government, and a desire has been expressed on both sides to expand Anglo-Soviet trade on a firm basis after the war.
§ Mr. SmithIs my right hon. Friend aware that constant references are being: made in an American trade journal to the arrangements that have already been arrived at; and will he bear in mind that it is those references that are causing concern in this country?
§ Mr. DaltonPeople should remember that things that appear in the Press, even in American trade journals, are not always correct.
§ Mr. BellengerIs the right hon. Gentleman in charge of the Overseas Trade Department implicated in these negotiations?
§ Mr. DaltonAll Members of the Government are implicated more or less, and my right hon. Friend and myself more than the others.