§ MR. BELLAIRSI beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any information has now been obtained as to whether the main line from Essen to the North and West Coasts of Germany had for some time past been reserved, exclusively, for the carriage of Government goods, chiefly armaments, so that ordinary trade was sent by a longer route; and, if so, is this rule still in force.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI can learn of no foundation whatever for the rumour alluded to by the hon. Member.
§ MR. BELLAIRSIs my right hon. friend aware that articles have appeared in the German papers and complaints have been made by German manufacturers on account of this monopoly of the line?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI have not seen those articles. I understood from the Question on the Paper that what my hon. friend wanted was that I should make independent inquiries to ascertain whether the statement was true. I have made such inquiries, and I cannot obtain any information to show that it is true.
§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY (St. Andrews, Burghs)Will the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiries?
§ [No Answer was returned.]