HC Deb 09 March 1916 vol 80 c1682
2. Sir J. LONSDALE

asked if any decision has been arrived at on the question of extending the list of absolute contraband, so as to include every commodity which is vitally necessary to our enemies?

Lord R. CECIL

The proper method of dealing with this question is under consideration. My hon. Friend will not forget that we have to act in these matters in concert with our Allies.

11. Sir J. LONSDALE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that, owing to the standard of proof of enemy destination required by the Contraband Committee, many cargoes are released without being sent before the Prize Court; and if it is intended to modify the instructions to the Contraband Committee so as to allow the question of destination to be settled in the Prize Court?

Lord R. CECIL

I do not think that any cargoes are allowed to proceed by the Contraband Committee against which there is any reasonable evidence that they are destined for the enemy. In this matter the discretion of the Contraband Committee is as it ought to be unfettered by any instructions, and in my opinion they have exercised that discretion well.