§ 60. Mr. Jayasked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has now been made with the negotiations for selling British ships to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in return for purchases of Soviet oil.
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§ Mr. GreenMy right hon. Friend understands that several British shipyards have submitted tenders and at least one group has opened detailed negotiations with the Soviet authorities in Moscow. I stated the Government's position on 12th February, but the Russians have made no firm proposal that the United Kingdom should import a limited quantity of fuel oil as a condition for placing substantial orders with British shipyards.
§ 77. Mr. Awberyasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Russian Government have now specifically declared that they are prepared to purchase British ships; and, in view of the unemployment in the shipbuilding industry, if he will conclude at an early date a mutual trading agreement in this field.
§ Mr. GreenMy right hon. Friend is not aware of any such specific Soviet Government statement, though he knows that the Soviet Authorities are negotiating with a number of British shipyards. He hopes that these negotiations will lead to orders which can be placed within the framework of the Anglo-Soviet Five Year Trade Agreement.
§ Mr. Owenasked the President of the Board of Trade what specific inquiries have now been received from the Soviet Union for the purchase of British capital goods, for example, ships, machinery and tractors; what terms have been asked; and what encouragement Her Majesty's Government are giving to such negotiations.
§ Mr. ErrollThe first and second pants of the Question concern business matters which are handled directly between the Russian authorities and the manufacturers. All the facilities of the Board of Trade, and of the Export Credits Guarantee Department, are available to assist exports of non-strategic goods to the Soviet Union.
§ Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is now anxious to purchase plant for the manufacture of synthetic fibres and for other machinery; and if he will increase the credit facilities available for such purchases, so as to facilitate such trade.
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§ Mr. GreenMy right hon. Friend is aware that the Soviet purchasing agency are making inquiries about such plant and equipment. The services which the Export Credits Guarantee Department already offer, and which take full account of officially backed credit from other countries, should enable British exporters to offer competitive terms.
§ Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any firm offer has been made by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for the purchase of British ships in exchange for Russian oil in the last three years; what was the outcome of such offers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GreenMy right hon. Friend knows of no such offer; the second and third parts of the Question do not there-fore arise.