§ MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Board of Trade what quantity of Spanish sugar was admitted into this country during each of the last three years.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. BONAR LAW, Glasgow, Blackfriars)No sugar was imported into this country from Spain in 1902 or 1904. About 100 tons were received in 1903.
§ MR. LOUGHI beg to ask the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the fact that on April 19th no countervailing duties had been fixed with respect to any additional countries, he will explain what are the reasons for issuing the Order in Council of April 3rd prohibiting the importation of sugar from Spain; whether any representations were received from the Belgian, German, or French Governments on the subject; and whether it was in deference to such communications the Order in Council was issued.
§ MR. BONAR LAWThe Order in Council prohibiting the importation of
† See (4) Debates, cxlv., 586.438 sugar from Spain, from and after April 3rd, was issued in consequence of the importation of an appreciable quantity of Spanish sugar enjoying an indirect bounty during March. The Answer to the remainder of the Question is in the negative.
§ MR. LOUGHCan the hon. Gentleman suggest any reason for this proclamation? Was it because sugar was falling and the Government wanted to put it up again?
§ MR. BONAR LAWThe Order in Council was issued in fulfilment of an obligation under which we were placed by the Convention.
§ MR. BONAR LAWYes.
§ MR. BONAR LAWA year or two ago.
§ MR. BONAR LAWThe hon. Gentleman is asking for information which has appeared in the papers. By the terms of the Convention we were not bound to issue the Order until an appreciable quantity of sugar had arrived.