HC Deb 03 March 1915 vol 70 cc789-90
45. Mr. PETO

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of remitting the question of the best method of giving security to the dye industry in this country to a representative meeting of dye users, with power to settle whether this end can be best attained by Government subsidy, prohibition of imports, or imposition of a tariff?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. The whole question of dye supplies has already been thoroughly examined in consultation with the representatives of dye users.

53. Lord C. BERESFORD

asked the Prime Minister whether the intimation given by the Government that from hence-forward no goods of any description are to be allowed to enter or to leave ports of the enemy prevents the importation of aniline dyes from enemy countries under licence of the Board of Trade?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The prohibition would not cancel licences from His Majesty's Government for the importation of aniline dyes of enemy origin into the United Kingdom.

Lord C. BERESFORD

Is that not some modification of the speech made by the Prime Minister, in which he declared that nothing should go in and nothing come out?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Noble Lord must ask that question of the Prime Minister, and not me.

Lord C. BERESFORD

May I ask the Prime Minister whether it is not a modification of his speech made in this House?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

No; I do not think so.

Mr. HEWINS

Is it the fact that those licences are going to be withdrawn?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No, Sir; they are not to be withdrawn. They are necessary for the War Office and Admiralty purposes, as well as for civil purposes.

Mr. R. MCNEILL

Is it the intention to continue the licences for the introduction of German goods into this country, and would it be possible to prevent them from being exported from Germany to other countries, such as America?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I cannot enter into a discussion of that question. It is necessary that we should get, if we can, some goods from Germany. For instance, if we required explosives, and could buy them from Germany, we should certainly not be squeamish about getting them.

Mr. HEWINS

Are these licences extended to other goods as well as aniline dyes?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Certainly, if they are absolutely necessary for British requirements.

Mr. R. McNEILL

Will the right hon. Gentleman, at all events, before he decides that these licences are to continue indefinitely, take into consideration the effect that those licences may have on the diplomatic question existing between this country and America?

The PRIME MINISTER

indicated assent.