HC Deb 25 June 1918 vol 107 cc861-2
5. Sir RICHARD COOPER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any portion of the Egyptian cotton crop can be disposed of without his knowledge and approval as to its ultimate destination; and, if not, will he say what Department does regulate the disposal of this crop?

Lord R. CECIL

The export of cotton from Egypt to different countries is now regulated by an official Licensing Committee in Egypt in accordance with a scale of rations fixed from time to time by the Board of Trade. As from 1st August next the entire crop available for export will be acquired by the Cotton Control Commission established under a scheme jointly arranged between His Majesty's Government and the Government of Egypt, and will be sold at fixed prices by the Commission within the limits prescribed by the Board of Trade.

Sir R. COOPER

Am I to understand that none of the present Egyptian cotton crop can be disposed of, except with the knowledge and approval of His Majesty's Government?

Lord R. CECIL

As I understand it, it is arranged by the official Licensing Committee in Egypt.