§ 20. Major HUNTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether potatoes are being exported in large numbers from Holland into Germany; and, if so, whether he could see his way to stopping the importation of fertilisers into Holland, in view of the fact that they are used to grow potatoes for Germany?
Mr. BALFOURHis Majesty's Government have not received any information showing that any potatoes have been exported from Holland to Germany this year up to the present time.
§ Major HUNTWill the right hon. Gentleman allow me to send him facts about the case?
Mr. BALFOURAny information which my hon. and gallant Friend has to offer to the Minister of Blockade I am sure my Noble Friend will be very grateful for.
§ Mr. FLAVINWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries in the port of 1279 Liverpool to see whether American bacon shipped to Liverpool has not been re-shipped from there to Holland and from Holland sent into Germany?
§ Mr. FLAVINWill he make inquiries in the port of Liverpool to see whether American rice and bacon have not been reshipped from there to Holland and then sent on to Germany?
§ 21. Major HUNTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the statement in the French Chamber that a strict surveillance of the illicit trade of neutral countries with the enemy was needed, and that in 1916 the exports of Holland and Denmark assured the meat rations of 1,200,000 German soldiers; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent neutrals from feeding the enemy, and so prolonging the War and sacrificing thousands of our best men?
Mr. BALFOURI have not yet received the official Report of the statements recently made in the French Chamber with regard to the blockade. As regards the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to the statement made by my Noble Friend the Minister of Blockade in the course of the Debate on the blockade on the 27th March.