§ 69. Mr. LOUGHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Board of Customs have ceased to publish particulars of imports, daily clearances, and stocks of tea and other dutiable goods; and, seeing that the want of these figures tends to create a panic on the various markets, whether he can undertake that the usual particulars will be furnished?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The decision in question was taken after the most careful consideration on the ground that it was not in the national interest that the figures should be made public.
§ Mr. LOUGHDocs the right hon. Gentleman not realise the great difficulty that some businesses might be plunged in by this secrecy, and, if it is not entirely necessary, could it not be avoided?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI was not on the Committee which considered it, but it must be obvious to the House that it is not desirable that the variations from week to week in the receipt of foodstuffs should be made public to the enemy.