§ Mr. LOUGHasked whether the right hon. Gentleman can state the terms with regard to increased Russian export or other matters embodied in the Protocol, which was signed at Brussels on Sunday, 17th March, for continuing the Brussels Sugar Convention; whether all the Powers who are parties to the existing Convention, except His Majesty's Government have signed the Protocol; whether the excess export permitted to Russia is in conformity with his statement to the House of Commons on the 21st November, 1911; and, if not, why the British representative 5 addressed a communication to the chairman of the Convention stating that he took no exception to the concession that was made to Russia.
§ Mr. MONTAGUBy Article 2 of the Protocol signed at Brussels on the 17th instant, Russia is allowed to increase the export of sugar westwards by the following amounts:—
The Protocol was signed by the representatives of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Austria, Hungary, Belgium, France Luxemburg, Holland, Peru, Russia, Sweden, and Switzerland. A declaration signifying the assent of the Italian Government to the increase in the Russian export for the periods 1911–12 and 1912–13 was signed at the same time by the Italian Minister. The Note addressed by His Majesty's Minister at Brussels to the Belgian Government stated that His Majesty's Government did not consider themselves to be parties to the limitation of Russian exports, and that they saw no objection to the increase of Russian export in this or any future year during the continuance of the Convention. As the right hon. Member is already aware, His Majesty's Government have undertaken not to commit themselves to remain members of the Sugar Union after September 1st, 1913, until the House of Commons has had an opportunity of considering the situation as it exists to-day.
1911–12 … … … 150,000 tons 1912–13 … … … 50,000 tons 1913–14 … … … 50,000 tons