asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has ally information as to the amount of grain exported from Russia in 1923 and the amount set aside to be exported this year?

According to the Russian official journal "Economic Life" of the 31st May, 1924, the amount of grain exported during the agricultural year 1923–24 was 175,000,000 poods, or 2,822,580 tons. Other estimates give a lower figure of some 2,400,000 tons. As regards the exportable surplus of grain for this year, I am not in possession of sufficiently reliable information to form an accurate estimate, but the indications would appear to point to a diminished harvest.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the figures which have appeared in the papers as to there having been greatly increased exports, are reliable, in view of the fact that the crops have failed throughout Southern Russia?

I cannot say what is the real position until I get more information.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what percentage of this grain came to Britain?

I think the hon. Member should put that question down.