§ 6. General CROFTasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the increase in the export of linen piece goods to Switzerland in 1917 as compared with 1913; and whether he will take immediate steps to reduce such exports?
§ Lord R. CECILThe exports from the United Kingdom were 772,100 yards in 1917 as against 660,000 yards in 1913; but it must be remembered that before the War Switzerland obtained large quantities of linen goods from Germany. Owing to shortage of home supplies, it has not been possible for some time to issue licences for the export of linen goods to Switzerland, and export is unlikely to be resumed for the present.
§ General CROFTCan the Noble Lord give an undertaking that none of this increase has gone through to Germany?
§ Lord R. CECILIt is impossible to give any such undertaking; but, as a matter of fact, I believe that none has gone through. That is my belief.
§ General CROFTIs it absolutely clear that in the last six months there have been no exports going to Germany?
§ Lord R. CECILIt is impossible to be perfectly certain what happens to small parcels, but, generally speaking, I believe that to be true.
§ General CROFTThen would it not be better to stop the whole of it?
§ Mr. LINDSAYIs the Noble Lord aware that large quantities of piece goods are regularly sent from Ireland to Switzerland to be embroidered and then returned, and will he see that neither this nor any other legitimate trade is interfered with?
§ Lord R. CECILThe hon. Member is perfectly right. These questions are extremely complicated and difficult, and it is impossible to dispose of them if you only have regard to one side of the question.