asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, whether it is intended to issue an annual or periodical Report from our commercial counsellor in Russia?

No annual trade report relating to the Soviet Union has been published since 1915, and the decision not to publish has been upheld by successive Governments. His Majesty's Government propose to maintain this policy.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why an exception is made in the case of Russia?

I have nothing to add to the answer I have given, except to say that information for trading purposes is available at the Department, and we are constantly helping traders with information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will be able to make any announcement with regard to the steps he intends to take to balance our trade with the Soviet Union before the House adjourns for the Christmas Recess?

As has already been indicated by my right hon. Friend in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastbourne (Mr. Marjoribanks) the special question of our commercial relations with the Soviet Union is one on which it would be premature to make any statement while the wider question of our trade balance is under consideration; and I am afraid that it will not be possible to make a statement on that subject before the House adjourns for the Christmas Recess.

In view of the large favourable Soviet trade balance, cannot the Government insist that all future trade shall be goods against goods?

That question is similar to the one which my hon. Friend put to me a few days ago. I can only add that the question is being very seriously pursued.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will have inquiries made as to the working of the treaty arrangement for the interchange of commodities between Italy and Russia, with a view to the possible initiation of similar arrangements between this country and Russia?

I am having further inquiries made as to the working of this scheme, and my hon. and gallant Friend may be assured that any scheme which appears likely to be of assistance in connection with the question of our trade balance will be closely examined by His Majesty's Government.