§ 54. Sir J. WALTONasked whether, in order to conserve our financial resources, His Majesty's Government will prohibit all imports not required for the prosecution of the War and the national life?
Mr. RUNCIMANA large number of prohibitions of importation are already in operation. These have been imposed mainly with a view to saving tonnage, but I shall be happy to consider any definite suggestions for further restriction which the hon. Baronet may care to send me.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs my right hon. Friend aware that nearly every ship that leaves the United States for this country leaves with empty space?
Mr. RUNCIMANI am not sure whether every vessel does, but a good many instances have come to my knowledge recently of that having been the case.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are at present twenty steamers lying at a certain French port waiting for discharge, and that they have been there for ever so long?