HC Deb 22 February 1921 vol 138 cc780-1W
Mr. D. GRAHAM

asked the Prime Minister whether Messrs. Armstrong, Whitworth, and Company have signed a contract with the Russian trade delegation for the repair of over 20 Russian locomotives a month, conditional upon the signature of the Russian Trade Agreement; whether it is estimated that this contract would employ 3,000 of the men at present unemployed on Tyneside; and whether, in view of the increasing burden upon the taxpayer of the cost of the unemployment benefit, he can give any hope that the Russian Trade Agreement will be concluded shortly?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I have been asked to reply. As regards the first two parts of the question, I understand that the facts are generally as stated by the hon. Member. As regards the last part, I may refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Islington, East (Mr. Raper) on the 17th instant.

Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Prime Minister whether the proposed Trade Agreement with the Russian Soviet Government will contain a Clause specifically providing for the repayment of the large sums which have been advanced by the Government of this country to Russia?

Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME

I have been asked to answer the question. The Draft Trade Agreement as proposed by this country contain a Declaration by both the British Government and the Soviet Government that claims by the one on the other shall be equitably dealt with in a formal general Treaty, by which the economic and political relations will be regulated when such a Treaty is made. This is in accordance with the offer made by the British Government in June last, as to the conditions on which it was prepared to make a Trading Agreement with the Soviet Government.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the event of any trade agreement being arrived at with the Russian Soviet Government, the claims of holders of Russian Government bonds in this country will be duly safeguarded?

Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME

I have been asked to answer this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the Declaration on Recognition of Claims contained at the end of the draft Agreement, submitted by the British Government to Russia, which has been published in the Press.