§ Mr. LOUGHasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now inform the House what was the precise claim put forward by Russia at the recent meeting of the Brussels Sugar Convention; what decision was arrived at; what action the British representatives took with regard to it; when he hopes to be able to lay Papers on the subject; and what is the earliest date at which it is possible for His Majesty's Government to withdraw from the Convention?
§ Sir E. GREYThe proposal submitted by Russia to the International Sugar Commission was that she should be permitted, during the period of 1st September, 1911, to 31st August, 1912, to export 400,000 tons of sugar in excess of the amount of 200,000 tons allowed to her under the Protocol of 19th December, 1907. The Commission decided to agree to the Russian proposal in principle, provided that a satisfactory arrangement was arrived at in regard to the conditions under which Russia would continue to be a party to the Convention; and the meeting was adjourned until 8th December next, to enable the Russian Government to submit further proposals on this point. A Paper will be laid, I hope, within a week, giving the instructions to the British delegates and their report of the sitting of the Commission. The 1st September, 1913, is the earliest date at which His Majesty's Government can withdraw from the Convention; but I would point out that an earlier withdrawal, even if it were possible, would not affect the arrangements existing between Russia and the other contracting States, as we are not a party to them and are not bound by them.
§ Mr. LOUGHAre we to gather from that that Russia cannot send any sugar westward until after 8th December, the date of the adjourned meeting?
§ Sir E. GREYAs I understand it, she can send westward before the 8th December to the full amount of 200,000 tons.
§ Sir E. GREYAny amount in excess of that cannot be sent between now and the 8th December. That is under an arrangement made not with us, but with the other Powers.
§ Sir E. GREYShe has never in any year hitherto exported up to the full limit of 200,000 tons.
§ Sir E. GREYI cannot give the figures for this year. Russia is now in a position and desires to export more than 200,000 tons.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEWhat is the estimated surplus above the amount allowed to be exported for this year?
§ Sir E. GREYI must ask for notice of that.
§ Mr. LOUGHasked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the statement made by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on the Brussels Sugar Convention and the difficulties which are being caused at the present time both to manufacturers and consumers in this country owing to the scarcity and high price of sugar, he can see his way to fulfil the conditional promise which he made to give an opportunity to the House of Commons to discuss and express an opinion upon the subject before any decision is reached by His Majesty's Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary hopes in the course of a few days, when his information is complete, to make a full statement to the House on this subject, which I hope may be of such a character as to obviate the necessity of any further debate.
§ Mr. LOUGHWill the right hon. Gentleman arrange for the statement being made under circumstances which will allow of some discussion—even a short discussion—which will not make any great demand on the time of the House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir. I think it would be better that it should be made by itself. I believe it will be found very satisfactory by my right hon Friend.