HC Deb 12 February 1931 vol 248 cc621-2W
Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many representatives of his Department are at present stationed in Soviet Russia; where are they stationed; what are their duties; and what is the nature of any reports which they make?

Mr. GILLETT

There are two Commercial Diplomatic Officers in. Soviet Russia: a Commercial Counsellor and a Commercial Secretary, both stationed at Moscow. There are also a Consul-General and Vice-Consul at Moscow, and a Consul and Vice-Consul at Leningrad. The duties of these officers are those normally assigned to commercial diplomatic and consular officers respectively. The subjects upon which they report are similar to those reported on by officers in the two services in other countries.

Mr. MILLS

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will institute inquiries into the usage of British merchant ships for Russo-British trade; and whether, in view of the shortage of available British ships of tonnage less than 6,000 tons available for this Russian trade, he will bring this fact to the notice of British shipowners and shipbuilders?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

I am informed that there is no shortage of British ships for Russo-British trade, and I have no reason to doubt that British shipowners and shipbuilders are fully aware of the position.