§ 1. Colonel YATEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the case that quantities of ladies' bathing caps made of rubber and rubber heels are being sent by post to Switzerland; if so, whether there is any danger of these things being passed through to Germany, or, if not, for what purpose they are being sent?
§ Viscount WOLMER (War Trade Department)During the last three months, 1,912 rubber bathing caps, weighing 408 lbs., and 6⅛ tons of rubber heels have been licensed by parcel post. The quantities are within the normal pre-war Swiss requirements as sanctioned by the Allied International Commission in Paris. The parcels are consigned to the SociétéSuisse de Surveillance under guarantee against re-export to enemy countries. There is therefore no danger of the goods finding their way to Germany. I understand the goods are required for ordinary commercial purposes. The quantity of pure rubber contained in the heels is negligible.
§ Colonel YATEAre bathing caps used or suitable at the present time? People do not bathe in Switzerland in winter, and if the goods are not for use in Switzerland must they not go to Germany?
§ Viscount WOLMERI understand that they are used for stocking supplies of bathing caps for next summer.