§ 28 and 39. Brigadier-General CROFTasked (1) the President of the Board of Trade whether he has official information showing that German industries supported by the German Government have secured large stores of leather, wool, copra, jute, coffee, and other raw materials and commodities which are stored and held on neutral account in the United States of America awaiting shipment on the conclusion of peace; whether the United States has taken steps to requisition these supplies; if so, what steps His Majesty's Government have taken to similarly secure the future of British industry; (2) the Minister of Labour whether he has any official information showing that Germany is having goods manufactured in neutral countries with a view to exporting them to the United Kingdom as neutral goods at the conclusion of the War, and that large quantities of raw materials are actually held in England to-day, occupying store space and ready to be shipped to neutral countries for manufacture directly there is a chance of export; and, if so, whether any of these goods are German owned and were transferred to neutral nominees at the commencement of the War?
Sir A. STANLEYI have no official information to the effect stated, but I shall be glad to consider any evidence which the hon. and gallant Gentleman can produce as to the storage of goods on foreign account in this country, with a view to pursuing further inquiries. I may point out that the Imports and Exports (Temporary Control) Bill, when it becomes law, will provide the necessary machinery for carrying out, after the War, any policy regarding the control of imports and exports which maybe decided upon.
§ General CROFTAre there any large stores of goods held to neutral account in this country which might be of German origin?
§ General CROFTAre there any supplies of neutral goods stored in this country?
Sir A. STANLEYI believe there are some manufacturers with stores in this country on behalf of neutral nations.