asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give the House any information regarding the present position of the other British firms, excluding the Russo-Caucasian Company, that have been ordered to liquidate their businesses in Russia; and whether he can now state the reasons given by the Soviet Government for such action?

So far as I am aware, no other British firms have been ordered to liquidate their businesses in the Soviet Union. As to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the written reply given to the hon. Member for the City of London on the 16th July.

Can the hon. Gentleman say that there are no other British firms, excluding the Russo-Caucasian Company, affected?

We have no information of any other instances.

Would the hon. Gentleman receive any information on the subject?

Any information the hon. Gentleman can give me I shall be glad to receive.

Is it not the policy of the Soviet Government to prevent private firms trading with Russia at the present time?