HC Deb 16 February 1905 vol 141 cc309-10
MR. LOUGH

I beg to ask the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, having regard to the fact that Russia sent two delegates to the third session of the Permanent Commission of the Brussels Sugar Convention to furnish information so that the penal clause should cease to apply to Russian sugar, and that the question of the admission of Russia was rediscussed and decision postponed, whether, seeing that as good reasons exist for removing the prohibition against Russian as against Dominican sugar, the Government intend to take that step.

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

The Answer is in the negative. His Majesty's Government have no reason to alter their opinion that Russian sugar exported enjoys advantages of the nature of a bounty.

MR. LOUGH

Is the position of Russia undefined by the Convention?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

No, Sir, it is not undefined.