HC Deb 28 August 1914 vol 66 cc350-2

Whereupon Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER, pursuant to the Order of the House of 17th July, proposed the Question, "That this-House do now adjourn."

Mr. TICKLER

I wish to ask the President of the Board of Trade if it is a fact that coal is being exported from Immingham Docks on Dutch boats to Holland and, if so, if there is any guarantee that this coal is not being forwarded to-Germany; if the said boats are manned by Dutchmen, and if there are no-German sailors serving in any capacity on board? It has been represented to me that very large quantities of coal have been shipped from Immingham to Rotterdam on Dutch boats, and that they are being discharged into barges and taken up the Rhine. I should like to know if the Government have any knowledge of this, and if they are aware if any coal is going to Germany?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)

I understand there are fairly large shipments from Immingham at the present time, and I am very glad it should be so, for two reasons. First, it means employment on this side for men working in the South Yorkshire and Derbyshire collieries, and for those employed at the Immingham Dock. Secondly, I am glad because the immediate requirements of the Dutch people are more in the matter of coal than anything else. Holland is a neutral country. There can be no objection to coal going there provided it is not en route to supply the enemy's ships or the enemy's army. Our information is that these coals are consigned to Holland, and that they go to neutral owners in Holland. What happens to them after they get there I am afraid I cannot say. I have not made full inquiry yet. They connot be treated as contraband, or conditional contraband, under the conditions of shipment from Immingham to Holland at the present time. But my hon. Friend may rest assured that if there is any sign of coals going from Immingham into the bunkers of German vessels, we shall take the earliest possible opportunity of interfering with a practice which certainly would benefit our enemies and be to our own detriment.

Mr. PETO

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps, in conjunction with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, to see that special attention is paid to this matter, and to have the ships watched on the other side?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

That is being done not only with regard to coal, but with reference to other commodities which are going into Holland at the present time. As I have told the hon. Gentleman, so far as we know these coals are not going to our enemies; but if there should appear any such tendency we shall at once, of course, take the necessary steps.

Mr. TICKLER

I also wish to ask—

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

The hon. Member has already exhausted his right.

Mr. TICKLER

This is not on the same subject.

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

The hon. Member is not entitled to speak again.

Mr. HOGGE

May I ask if anyone on the Front Bench can state if, when the Prime Minister said it was proposed to adjourn for ten days, the right hon. Gentleman meant ten Parliamentary days or ten ordinary days?

Mr. GULLAND (Lord of the Treasury)

I assume the Prime Minister will say that when he makes his Motion on Monday.

Question put, and agreed to.

Adjourned accordingly at Five minutes before Four o'clock, till Monday next, 31st August, at a Quarter before Three o'clock.