§ 53. General CROFTasked the Prime Minister what Minister was responsible in 1915 and the first eight months of 1916 for the very large and increased exports of essential foodstuffs to Scandinavia, Denmark, and Holland?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)At the time referred to the control of exports from this country had not been fully organised, and it would be impossible to say that any single Minister was responsible.
§ General CROFTDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is very great disaffection throughout the country on this subject; and can nobody be regarded as responsible for this most vital matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have no doubt, if the House of Commons had thought it desirable to attach responsibility for what happened three years ago, that it would have done so.
§ General CROFTHaving regard to the fact that the country is suffering at the present time from this export, will the right hon. Gentleman give a day to discuss the question, and see that the person responsible is known to the country?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have always said that I am willing to give time for the discussion of any subject which the House generally desires to discuss, but in my opinion it is much more important to discuss what we do now than what was done three years ago.