§ 45. Sir J. LONSDALEasked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the fact that, in consequence of the refusal of His Majesty's Ministers to declare cotton absolute contraband, Germany is able to obtain through neutral countries the material required for the manufacture of explosives; and if the Government will reconsider a policy which, whilst our own supplies of high explosive shells have been declared to be insufficient, enables the enemy to supply itself with an essential element in the manufacture of munitions to be used against our own troops?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this and following questions.
The assumptions on which this question is based are wholly unfounded. It ought to be clearly understood that the action which is being taken since 11th March is in every respect as effective in preventing cotton from reaching Germany as a declaration of cotton as contraband could make it, and cotton is in fact being excluded from Germany thereby. I may add, however, that arrangements are being made to pay American shippers for the cotton cargoes detained by us, as soon as the necessary proof of ownership and contract price is forthcoming.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman in his answer to mean that no cotton is at present being imported into Germany from foreign sources?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThat is my information.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider that if cotton were made absolute contraband, which it is not at present, as the right hon. Gentleman admits, British naval officers would be relieved from a very unfair burden of responsibility, and the supply of cotton to Germany would be absolutely stopped.
Mr. DENNISSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the week ended 1st May 120,000 bales of raw cotton were exported through Italy to Germany?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI will look into the matter. Our intention as to cotton is to exclude it from Germany, and every step has been taken for that purpose possible under the circumstances.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTWould the making of cotton absolute contraband make any difference to the amount of cotton reaching Germany?
§ Sir J. D. REESWhy, if the present prohibition is practically effective, was it found necessary to stop the export of cotton from Egypt?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI would rather have notice of that.
§ Sir J. LONSDALECan the right hon. Gentleman say why wool was placed on the list of contraband and cotton left out?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe matter can be raised afterwards.