§ 43. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been directed to the agreement concluded between representatives of the U.S.S.R. and the U.S.A. business concerns which provides for a two-and-a-half billion dollars loan; that the U.S.A. concerns will export manufactured products which will be shipped as soon as war ends; and is any similar agreement being proposed by his Department.
§ 44. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent it is intended to encourage the use of the Export Credit Facilities; and if the Government's plan includes loans to the U.S.S.R. in order to facilitate the maximum trade with the U.S.S.R.
§ Mr. DaltonYes, Sir, I have seen references in the Press to discussions between Soviet representatives and United. States manufacturers regarding post-war trade but I understand that the United States Government have taken no part in them. A number of manufacturers in this country have also, I am glad to say, been in touch with Soviet representatives about post-war business and I hope that other manufacturers will follow their example. At the present time no firm commitments can be made about delivery dates. But there have been conversations in Moscow between His Majesty's Embassy 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. 24 Experts are now preparing lists of goods that each country will wish to purchase from the other. The question of export credits for post-war trade, both with Russia and other countries, is now being studied, and I am in touch with my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on the subject.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithWould my right hon. Friend bear in mind that between the two wars a large number of skilled engineers in the North of England were signing on, but the engineering shops were closing down while London financiers were facilitating German trade with Russia? Can he give us an assurance that, with comparable conditions in the future, Parliament will not be a party to a repetition of that sort of thing?
§ Mr. DaltonI have not had that experience, Sir.
§ Mr. BensonWhen the right hon. Gentleman says that the American Government are in no way involved, does he include in that statement the Import-Export Bank, which is a Government concern?
§ Mr. DaltonI mean exactly what I have said. I understand that there have been discussions with United States manufacturers.
§ Sir H. WilliamsSo far as orders are now being placed by the British Government, on behalf of the Russian Government, could the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that all interested firms will have the chance of quoting?
§ Mr. DaltonThat is not what the Question asks. War-time trade is being carried on under what is called the Protocol, and is entirely under Government auspices.