§ Mr. LOUGHasked whether the Brussels Sugar Convention reassembled on the 26th instant; whether any decision has been arrived at with regard to the application of Russia for permission to export an additional 400,000 tons of sugar westwards during the present season, which was brought forward at the special sittings of last October held for this purpose; what position His Majesty's representative has taken up with regard to this question and the renewal of the Convention; and when Papers will be laid giving an account of the proceedings at the adjourned sittings which commenced on 29th December and the present meeting?
§ Mr. ACLANDThe answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the negative. The meeting has been postponed at the request of the Russian Government. The position taken up by the British delegate has been in accordance with the attitude of His Majesty's Government, as explained by the Prime Minister on 14th December and 19th February. As has been already stated, Papers will be laid shortly.
§ Mr. LOUGHDoes this postponement mean that Russia will not get permission to export this extra quantity of sugar; and will the hon. Gentleman state what steps the Government are taking to keep the promise made in 1908?
§ Mr. ACLANDI must ask the hon. Member to give notice of that question.
§ Mr. LOUGHIf this conference does not meet then how will this permission be given to Russia. That is my whole point?
§ Mr. ACLANDIt is a purely problematical question which depends upon whether the conference does or does not meet again.