§ Sir W. RUTHERFORDasked the Prime Minister whether this country is now represented in Roumania by an Ambassador ; if not, by whom it is represented both for diplomatic purposes and trade purposes; whether anything and, if so, what is being done at the present moment to replace Germany and Austria as suppliers and purveyors of a very considerable number of manufactured articles into Roumania; and whether any reports have been received as to France seeking to obtain a monopoly right to exploit Roumanian State lands for petroleum and the United States of America seeking to obtain a monopoly for the export of petroleum, all of which would be a serious prejudice to British interests?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI have been asked to reply. Great Britain is now represented in Roumania by Mr. Rattigan, Chargé d'Affaires. Mr. A. A. Adams, lately of H.M. Consular Service, has recently taken up his duties as Commercial Secretary to the British Legation in Bucharest, and Consular Officers are at present stationed in Roumania. The promotion of trade between this country and Roumania is the primary function of the Commercial Secretary and of the Consular Officers, working in conjunction with the Department of Oversea Trade in this country. The great difficulty in the way of the development of British trade with Roumania is the situation in that country, which at present makes payment for British exports in sterling almost impossible. A scheme which will help to tide over this difficulty in Roumania and other countries similarly situated, pending the re-establishment of exports from those countries, is now under consideration, and a further statement on this subject will be made as soon as possible. No Reports have been received to the effect indicated in the last part of the question.