HC Deb 17 November 1936 vol 317 cc1527-8W
Sir W. DAVISON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Russian trade organisations in Great Britain are in the habit of exercising pressure on British manufacturers to agree, in case of a dispute, to accept arbitration in Moscow; and whether, in the case of any dispute in connection with the purchase of British goods carried out through the medium of the British financial guarantee, the Board of Trade will provide that any such dispute shall be settled by British courts or by an arbitral tribunal in this country?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Yes, Sir; I have received representations regarding this question of arbitration in connection with Anglo-Russian trade and the matter is now under consideration. As regards the second part of the question which, I assume, relates to the agreement dated 28th July, 1936, between the Export Credits Guarantee Department and the Soviet Trade Representative, there is provision in that agreement for payment to be made within 30 days without question, if the shipping documents (including invoices) conform to the terms of the relevant contract or contracts.