§ MR. LOUGHI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether importations of sugar from the United States into the United Kingdom have recently taken place; and, if so, what quantity has been so imported; and, seeing that discussion has taken place at the Brussels Sugar Convention with regard to the sugar systems of the United States and Cuba, whether it will be necessary under the Sugar Convention Act to prohibit further importations from them into the United Kingdom.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURA small quantity of refined sugar, probably refined in the United States, has recently been imported into the United Kingdom. The quantity received in the two months December and January was about 700 tons. No prohibition order can be issued under the Sugar Convention Act with respect to sugar imported from any country, except on the report of the Permanent Commission that a bounty is 314 granted in that country. No such report has been received from the Commission with respect to the countries named in the Question.
§ MR. LOUGHHas not the position of this country with, the United States and Cuba been discussed? Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House the effect of the discussion?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURNo, Sir, I cannot do that.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURCertainly, Sir.