§ 15. Mr. LOUGHasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that tea exported from this country into France or any French colony is liable to a surtax of 2½d. per lb. as compared with tea imported into France direct from the East; and whether, having regard to the relations now existing between the two countries and the difficulty of transport, he will approach the French Government with a view to the abolition of this surtax, at least for the duration of the War?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir George Cave, for Mr. Balfour)His Majesty's Government have already approached the French Government on the subject of this surtax, but the latter have not been able to agree to its abolition. I do not think any useful purpose would be served by further representations.