HC Deb 18 June 1918 vol 107 cc166-7
53. General CROFT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the present restrictions on the export of coffee from British East Africa will now be removed or mitigated; whether his attention has been called to the fact that certain ships leave East Africa when space is available; and, if so, whether he will give instructions in such cases for the shipment of coffee and other goods awaiting export?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Hewins)

Arrangements have been made to licence the admission into the United Kingdom of 1,670 tons of East Africa and Uganda coffee during the ensuing twelve months.

Owing to the requirements of priority cargo at other ports, it is not possible to arrange for a steamer to be fully loaded in East Africa; but, subject to this, all available space is used to the best advantage for the export of goods.

General CROFT

Is my hon. Friend aware that a great deal of coffee which was licensed actually has not been exported?

Mr. HEWINS

Yes; I am aware of that.