§ 71. Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, although the exportation of barley and malt to all foreign destinations is prohibited, considerable quantities of both products have been and still are being exported to foreign countries; if so, will he state what such quantities so exported are for each period of four months ending 30th April, 1914, 1915, and 1916; and whether exports of these products are now not only to be prohibited but also prevented?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe exports of barley and malt from the United Kingdom to foreign countries in the three periods mentioned were, respectively: Barley, 2,677 tons, 12,038 tons, and 14 tons; malt, 2,207 tons, 10,736 tons, and 7,132 tons. The policy which it is in the national interest to pursue in regulating the issue of licences is constantly under review, and is being specially considered at the present time in connection with the restriction of 1985 the output of beer—but I can at the moment make no further statement upon it.