HC Deb 01 March 1910 vol 14 cc723-4
Mr. LOUGH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether, at the meeting of the Brussels Sugar Convention held in December, 1908, when the Russian delegates were received for the first time, the proposal was made by them that when 88 per cent. beet sugar exceeded 11s. per cwt. on the London market Russia should be allowed to suspend the restriction upon her exportation, a suggestion which was supported by the British delegate but opposed by the other delegates, who postponed the matter to subsequent meetings; whether he was aware that this sugar was now 13s. per cwt. in London; whether the Convention met in June and December, 1909, and why no White Papers had been issued with regard to these sittings; and what had become of the Russian proposal?

Sir EDWARD GREY

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I am informed that the present price of 88 per cent. beet sugar is about 14s. per cwt. As regards the third part, the Permanent Commission met in June, but the meeting fixed for December, 1909, was postponed to February last. I did not consider it necessary to lay a White Paper respecting the June sitting as the British delegate's report contained no points of special interest. No documents have yet reached me regarding last month's sitting. With reference to the last part of the question, the proposal has not again been raised by the Russian delegates.

Mr. LOUGH

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to issue these White Papers? After all, although they are small, they are the only information we have to let us know what is going on in the Convention?

Sir EDWARD GREY

I am not quite sure how frequently the sittings take place. I will look into the matter. I am not aware of any reason why they should not be published.

Mr. GIBSON BOWLES

May I ask whether there is any prospect whatever of the restrictions being removed from Russian sugar, Russia being the largest beet-growing country in the world, so that we may have cheaper sugar in this country?

Sir EDWARD GREY

That does not depend upon our action.