§ Mr. BENTHAMasked whether the right hon. Gentleman was in a position to give any information as to the result of the Conference on the Sugar Convention called at the request of Russia at Brussels recently?
§ Mr. LOUGHalso asked whether the extraordinary session of the Brussels Sugar Convention had yet ended, and, if so, what decision was arrived at with regard to the appeal of Russia for the removal of the limitation on export; what action the British representatives took; and whether he was now in a position to make his promised statement?
§ Sir E. GREYThe Session of the Commission has been adjourned to the 8th of December. An understanding has been come to by which the other Continental States, parties to the Sugar Union, accept the Russian proposal in principle, provided that an arrangement can be arrived at which is satisfactory as regards the future. The British delegates supported the Russian proposal.
§ Mr. LOUGHCan my right hon. Friend tell us something as to what the exact Russian proposal was? Many of us, I am sure, would be glad to hear that His Majesty's Government sees its way to take some steps towards withdrawing altogether from the existing Convention.
§ Sir E. GREYI expect that in the course of a day or so I shall have in my hands the Report of the British delegate to the Commission, and when I have got that Report I will either make a more detailed statement or else, if it can be done, I will lay the Report before the House.
§ Mr. LOUGHI am sorry to press my right hon. Friend, but will he tell us what it was Russia asked should be done and what is this concession to Russia? The whole thing is wrapt in secrecy and we have no means of getting any information.
§ Sir E. GREYI think that is rather hard of my right hon. Friend. The answer I have just given was that I should have an opportunity of reading the Report of the delegate, who has just returned. I wish to have that opportunity not in order that I might withhold information but in order that I might give information.
§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONMay I ask if the delegate acted on instructions from the Government, and whether we can see what those instructions were?
§ Sir E. GREYYes, Sir; he was acting on instructions.
§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONCan we see them?
§ Sir E. GREYI will deal with that. I will either lay the Report on the Table, which will include the instructions, or else I will make a full statement.