HC Deb 01 March 1916 vol 80 cc1052-3
51. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Prime Minister whether the Rubber Committee will be continued as a separate Committee under the new arrangement whereby the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is to control all questions relating to blockade?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN (representing the War Trade Department)

The Rubber and Tin Exports Committee was appointed by the Board of Trade to control the export of those commodities, and they advise the War Trade Department as to whether licences for export should be granted or refused. The position of the Committee in relation to the Department is at present receiving the consideration of the Minister of Blockade.

Mr. HOGGE

Can my hon. Friend say where all these communications should be addressed to? Is it to the new Minister of Blockade or to the conveners of each separate Committee?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I think that for the present anybody applying for a licence for rubber should apply to the Rubber and Tin Exports Committee at the Board of Trade.

Mr. PRINGLE

Docs the hon. Gentleman consider there is any likelihood under the new arrangements of these applications being expeditiously dealt with?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Yes, Sir.