§ 53. Sir A. MARKHAMasked the Prime Minister whether he will explain the Foreign Office Memorandum issued on 21st August, 1915, in which it is stated that His Majesty's Government contemplate the initiation of measures to relieve as far as possible any abnormal depression which might temporarily disturb market conditions in respect of cotton; can he especially explain whether this in intended as an undertaking on the part of His Majesty's Government to make up, in part or in whole, any fall in the market price of cotton held to be due to the War and to British Orders in Council and Proclamations; and, if so, has any estimate been made as to the liability thus incurred.
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Memorandum in question was published at the time of declaring cotton contraband, and the undertaking which it contains is limited to the relief of any abnormal depression following or resulting from the contraband declaration. There is no estimate which I can usefully give my hon. Friend.