§ 1. Mr. PETOasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the prohibition of the export of cotton contained 1234 in the Order in Council of 27th April applies to exports from Egypt of Egyptian cotton; and, if not, whether he intends to take any steps to prohibit the export of Egyptian cotton from Egypt to all ports other than those of France, Russia, Spain, and Portugal?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)The Egyptian Government has been invited to prohibit the export of cotton in the manner suggested, and the measure is expected to become operative very shortly.
§ 2. Mr. PETOasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the six months 1st October to 31st March, Germany and Austria imported 99,272 bales of cotton from Egypt in 1913–14 and in 1914–15 none during the same period; whether the imports of cotton from Egypt to Italy and Switzerland together in the six months 1st October to 31st March, 1914–15, increased by 99,524 bales; whether he has any information as to the ultimate destination of the Egyptian cotton represented by this increase in imports; and if he will state the names of the firms who are the principal shippers of Egyptian cotton and the principal consignee in Switzerland and Italy, respectively?
§ Sir E. GREYThe figures given by the hon. Member are substantially correct; but I would refer him to the answer given to the hon. Member for East Nottingham on 5th May, and remind him that it has only been the policy of His Majesty's Government to prevent all imports reaching Germany since 11th March, so that the statistics quoted do not cover more than a very short period during which the present policy has been in operation. Since the initiation of that policy everything has been done to prevent all imports reaching Germany, and, as I have already informed the hon. Member, in reply to a previous question to-day, instructions have been given for the prohibition of the export of raw cotton from Egypt to any destination from which it could reach Germany.
§ Mr. PETOHas the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the names and nationalities of the firms who have been the principal exporters of Egyptian cotton?
§ Sir E. GREYI have not at this moment.