HC Deb 29 March 1910 vol 15 cc1146-7
Mr. LOUGH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether at the meeting of the Brussels Sugar Convention, held on the 21st June, 1909, the question was raised by the other Powers of Russia having exported through Finland a larger quantity of sugar than was permitted, and the steps that should be taken to restrict such exports; what was the meaning of the words in the report that this question, was not a matter of direct interest to this country; whether he could say what was the quantity of these re-exports so complained of; and whether he would undertake to furnish in future Papers all particulars with regard to the steps taken by the Convention to restrict Russian exports?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)

The discussion respecting the exportation of Russian sugar through Finland was initiated at the sitting of the Permanent Sugar Commission of 21st June, 1909, by the Russian Delegation, and not, as the question would seem to imply, by the Representatives of the other Powers. The Russian Delegate intimated, at the recent sitting of the Convention, that the amount actually exported to the markets in respect of which the export is restricted was in excess of the limit allowed by the Convention for the two years ended 31st August, 1909, by 39,816 tons, and that this amount would be deducted from next year's exportations. The question of limiting the exportation of Russian sugar is not one in which His Majesty's Government are directly concerned, and they undertake no responsibility in regard to its restriction, as they are free to import whatever sugar is exported to us. The quantity of re-exports from Finland during the years 1907–1909 was 104,945 tons. With regard to the last part of the question, it is not in the province of the Permanent Commission to devise the means to be adopted by Russia to restrict the exportation of Russian sugar.

Mr. LOUGH

Will the right hon. Gentleman not admit that it is a matter of direct interest to this country what steps the Convention may take to limit the exports of sugar from Russia?

Sir E. GREY

As appears from my answer we have no direct interest in seeing the exports of Russian sugar limited.

Mr. LOUGH

As long as you are a member of the Convention?

Sir E. GREY

No; we have no direct interest in limiting the export.

Mr. GIBSON BOWLES

Are His Majesty's Government content to maintain the power of importing sugar which Russia is prohibited from exporting?