HC Deb 26 February 1948 vol 447 cc2105-6
30. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish as a White Paper the text of the recent trade agreements between Great Britain and Russia, and Great Britain and the Argentine.

Mr. H. Wilson

An agreement with the U.S.S.R. has already been presented to Parliament as a White Paper, Cmd. 7297. The agreement with the Argentine will be similarly presented as soon as possible.

Sir W. Smithers

In view of the fact that the taxpayer has no confidence in the business capacity of this Government, will the President of the Board of Trade assume—

Mr. Speaker

The only question was whether the right hon. Gentleman would publish a White Paper, and nothing else.

Mr. Turton

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what he means by "as soon as possible"? Will that be in the coming week?

Mr. Wilson

I hope it will be within a few days. We have to get the exact text.

Sir W. Smithers

Will the White Paper about to be issued include a profit and loss account?

Mr. Wilson

The White Paper in the case of Russia gives everything that entered into the agreement with Russia, and that will be true of the White Paper in respect of the Argentine.