Mr. R. GYVYNNE(by Private Notice) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to a statement that the imports into the United Kingdom from Denmark during the year ending March, 1917, amount to only £2,007,000, whereas the imports from Denmark during the year ending 31st March, 1915, amounted to £6,516,000; and if he can explain why there has been this serious shrinkage?
§ The MINISTER of BLOCKADE (Lord R. Cecil)The figures quoted are entirely incorrect and misleading—in fact, the figure given for the imports during the year ending 31st March, 1917, instead of representing the year's imports, approximately corresponds to the figure for the month of January alone.
The correct figures are as follows:—
§ Year ending 31st March, 1914, £24,600,000.
§ Year ending 31st March, 1915, £26,000,000.
§ Year ending 31st March, 1916, £21,600,000.
§ Year ending 31st March, 1917, £20,700,000.
§ The figures for the year ending 31st March, 1917, are, however, misleading, as, owing to the submarine campaign, shipping to and from Denmark was practically suspended during the months of February and part of March, which necessitated the storage of Danish agricultural produce for this country in Denmark until shipping was resumed.
§ Mr. GWYNNEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of correcting these statements which are made in the Press, without waiting until they are raised in this House?
§ Lord R. CECILIf I was to correct all the misstatements that appear in this country in the papers, I should have to 935 establish a special department for the purpose. I am very much obliged to my hon. Friend for calling my attention to these very serious misstatements.