HC Deb 19 November 1917 vol 99 cc840-2
20 and 21. General CROFT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he will give a definite undertaking that no further licences will be granted for export of cement to Holland; (2) whether his attention has been called to the resolutions passed in the City of London demanding that the export of cement to Holland should be absolutely prohibited; and, if so, will he say what steps he proposes to take?

Lord R. CECIL

In view of a statement in a letter in to-day's papers that a label bearing English lettering has been found in the cement of a pill-box, I have, pending full inquiries being made into the circumstances, issued instructions stopping the export of all cement to Holland. I would, however, point out that, so far, the inquiries made by the military authorities do not confirm the statement that British cement has been used on the German front.

Colonel YATE

Are we to understand that the 3,300 tons licensed to go out after the prohibition will now be stopped?

Lord R. CECIL

Yes, Sir; until we have made full inquiries into this statement.

General CROFT

If there is any possible doubt about this cement, will the right hon. Gentleman put a stop to any of this sort of traffic?

Lord R. CECIL

Certainly. If there is any reasonable doubt as to its being used for the purpose of fortifications on the German front, of course it will be stopped, and it ought to be stopped, but so far the inquiries do not confirm that.

Sir H. DALZIEL

Is it not a fact that letters have been received here from private soldiers saying that they have actually seen it?

Mr. PRINGLE

Has the Noble Lord seen in the "Times" this morning a letter from an officer at the front saying that he was actually in one of these pill-box fortifications made with this cement?

Lord R. CECIL

If the hon. Member had listened to my answer, he would have known that it was in consequence of that letter that I gave directions that no more cement should be exported to Holland until the point was settled?

Sir C. HENRY

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to find out whether that statement is correct?

Lord R. CECIL

I have stated that the moment I saw that letter I gave directions that no more cement should be sent. I also asked the Director of Military Intelligence if he would be good enough to make full inquiries as to whether or not the facts were as stated.

22. General CROFT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether, in the event of British cement being withheld from Holland, Holland would have to purchase more cement from Germany, which would be to the advantage of the German armies in the field and, if so, will he state what action he will now take; (2) whether he is aware that, prior to the War, Holland received nearly all her cement from Germany and Belgium, and that, therefore, the shipments of British cement to Holland relieve an equivalent amount of German cement for use in her concrete works; whether an order captured from the 7th German Army has stated that there is a shortage of concrete for the German Army; and, if so, will he say what action he proposes to take?

Lord R. CECIL

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on the 29th October to the hon. and gallant Member for Melton, in which it was pointed out that Germany was still exporting large quantities of cement to Holland. I do not think it is reasonable to suppose that Germany would continue to export cement to Holland if she needed it herself for use in her own works. In answer to the last part of Question 23, I have seen a statement that such an Order has been found and I have no reason to doubt its accuracy, but I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that concrete is made from gravel and sand as well as from cement, and whilst I have no evidence to show that there is any shortage of cement on the German front, I believe that there is likely to be a very considerable shortage of gravel and sand. I would also add that very large quantities of cement are manufactured in Belgium.

General CROFT

Has the right hon. Gentleman been able to ascertain whether it is a fact that British cement is more adaptable for these concrete fortifications than German cement

Lord R. CECIL

No; I have not heard that is so.

General CROFT

Will the Noble Lord make inquiries?

Lord R. CECIL

Yes; I will make any inquiries into the matter that my hon. and gallant Friend requires.