§ 11. Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state what is the total amount of tea exported from the United Kingdom to Sweden in 1913; and what was the combined total exported in 1915, and the first seven months of 1916?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of BLOCKADE (Commander Leverton Harris)The figures are as follows:
As suggestions have recently been made that the Ministry of Blockade have encouraged large exports of tea to Sweden, thereby producing a shortage in this country, it may be of interest to the hon. and gallant Member to know that, since the 31st July, 1916, the export of tea to Sweden has only amounted to 158,508lbs., of which 4,143 lbs., or less than 2 tons, were exported during the whole of last year.
For the year 1913 245,660 lbs. For the nineteen months from 1st January, 1915, till 31st July, 1916 7,509,853 lbs.
§ General CROFTCan the right hon. Gentleman say what Minister will be responsible for the exportation of tea?