HC Deb 16 February 1905 vol 141 cc312-3
MR. LOUGH

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the Permanent Commission of the Brussels Sugar Convention have formally approved the system under which sugar is produced or exported from San Domingo; and, if not, by what authority the Board of Trade has given notice that the importation of Dominican sugar into the United Kingdom is in future to be allowed, notwithstanding the prohibition of the 3rd of June, 1904, and what are the conditions which are to affect importations from that country in common with other countries which are not parties to the Brussels Sugar Convention, referred to in the announcement now published by the Board of Trade; whether the importation of sugar from Hayti is also to be allowed; or whether that Republic is treated differently from San Domingo.

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

The Answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. The authority for the Board of Trade notification was an Order in Council dated February 4th, revoking the prohibition order issued on June 3rd, 1904, in respect of Dominican sugar. The revoking order was issued in consequence of the receipt of official information, through the medium of the Belgian Government, that the Dominican Government have reduced the surtax on sugar below the limits specified in Article III. of the Convention. The conditions referred to in the Board of Trade notification are those laid down in the regulations annexed to the Order in Councildated August 11th, 1903, the fourth of which provides for the production of a certificate that the sugar is derived from a factory which does not work bounty-fed sugar. No prohibition order has been issued in respect of Haytian sugar. The position of this sugar is at present the subject of an appeal by His Majesty's Government against a decision of the Permanent Commission.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

Do I understand that the action of the Government with regard to Dominican sugar is approved, or was taken in co-operation with the Brussels Commission?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

We received the official notification from the Belgian Government acting on behalf of the Permanent Commission.

MR. LOUGH

Have not the Permanent Commission condemned Hayti, and have the Government refused to prohibit San Domingo without the authority of the Commission?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

There is an appeal, but it has not yet been heard.