§ 31. Mr. OUTHWAITEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can state the amount of ginger imported into this country in the twelve months ending December last; and whether there has been any restriction or prohibition of the import of ginger since that date?
Mr. ROBERTSMy hon. and gallant Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The quantity of ginger (not preserved) imported in 1916 was 1,466 tons, and of preserved ginger 1,589 tons. The importation of preserved ginger not of British origin was affected by the Proclamation of 10th March, 1916, which prohibited the importation of foreign preserved fruit, and this prohibition was extended to British produce by the Consolidated Proclamation of 30th March last.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHCan the hon. Gentleman say how it is that the new Government has got none of it?