§ 6. Mr. LAURENCE HARDYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that during recent months the importation of hops from Belgium has been rapidly increasing, namely, from nothing in November to over 8,000 cwts. in August last; whether, since the area under hops in that part of Belgium, unoccupied by the enemy, is very small, the larger part of the hops imported must be of enemy origin; and whether he will consider if it is desirable that, as in the case of sugar, the import of which was prohibited for fear of enemy sugar being brought in, so in the case of hops a similar prohibition should be put in force?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Captain Pretyman)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The hops imported from Belgium are mainly from the Poperinghe district, which lies behind the Allied lines, and all but 320 cwts. of the whole quantity imported have reached this country viâ Dunkirk. It would appear that the recent increase in importation to which the hon. Member refers has been due to the fact that only an unusually small quantity could be shipped last autumn. The total quantity of hops imported from Belgium during the twelve months ending on 31st August last was 27,401 cwts., as against 22,918 cwts. in the twelve preceding months.
§ Mr. HARDYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the total production of that portion of Belgium in the hands of the Allies is about 1,500?
§ Captain PRETYMANI believe what I have stated is the fact.