HC Deb 29 June 1948 vol 452 cc2000-1
47. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to state, to the latest convenient date, the total of sums accruing to the Soviet Government under the Anglo-Soviet Trade Agreement; and to what extent such sums have been expended by the Soviet Government on the purchase of capital goods and raw materials, respectively.

Sir S. Cripps

I regret that I cannot give this information, which would involve the disclosure of movements into and out of the accounts of foreign clients of London banks.

Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

Is it not a fact that the Russian Government are busily buying raw materials from the proceeds of this trade agreement, and that, therefore, no sterling will be available to pay for capital goods under that agreement, unless we advance further loans to them?

Sir S. Cripps

Not so far as I know.