§ 22. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Messrs. E. E. Mayer and Company, Limited, have recently imported from Germany quantities of Neuberg chalk under licence to trade with the enemy; whether such licence has been revoked; and, if so, will he say why it was granted and why it was revoked?
Mr. RUNCIMANMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The licence was granted in view of representations that the commodity in question was essential for certain manufactures and obtainable only from enemy sources; it was subsequently revoked, with other licences, in pursuance of the more stringent policy adopted since the Order in Council of the 11th March, and also because of the fact that a fairly satisfactory substitute is forthcoming. An extension of time was, however, granted to Messrs. Mayer in order to enable them to import certain quantities contracted for prior to the receipt by them of notice that the licence would be revoked.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSAt the expiration of that time will there be any further licence granted?