HC Deb 10 May 1916 vol 82 c667
98. Mr. R. McNEILL

asked the President of the Board of Trade who were the consignees of the 320 hundredweights of hops imported into this country during 1915 from the part of Belgium in enemy occupation; and whether proceedings have been taken against them for trading with the enemy?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The consignees of these hops were Messrs. D. H. Gaskian and Company, and they were imported under a licence issued by the Board of Trade; the second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Mr. McNEILL

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman in what circumstances a licence was given for the importation of goods from a part of the country where any benefit arising from the export must have gone to the enemy?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

As I understand the case, the import was made from a part of Belgium in the occupation of the enemy, but that the money paid did not reach enemy hands and remained in the United Kingdom.