§ 5. Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEasked if a cargo of strontia spar, seized as a prize ex steamship "Juno" in August last, consisting of 498¾ tons, was sold on or about 11th February to an unnaturalised German named Hugo Wiskemann; if so, who was responsible for this sale; to whom was the cargo resold by this unnaturalised German; and are any steps being taken to watch the dealings of this broker?
§ Mr. WALTER REA (Lord of the Treasury)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The cargo in question was, I am told, sold to the person named, but his nationality has not been ascertained. The brokers responsible for the sale are Messrs. Henry Bath and Son. The cargo was resold to a British firm, Messrs. Blagden, Waugh and Company, who shipped it to America. Messrs. Henry Bath and Son are a well-known British firm of high standing, and every care will be taken to secure that sales are only made in a way consistent with British interests.
§ Mr. GWYNNEAre we to understand that the Government take no steps to satisfy themselves that cargoes seized in this way cannot fall into alien hands?