§ Mr. BRUNNER (by Private Notice)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether a vessel, the name of which I have given to the right hon. Gentleman, has been thirteen days in dock waiting for a cargo of salt already prepared; whether 2120 this salt is intended for curing fish at a French port; whether he has any information that fish has been wasted in consequence; whether the shippers have been notified by the War Trade Department that they may have to wait another three weeks?
§ Mr. WARDLEOwing to the very short notice I have received of this question, I am not prepared to say whether the facts are as stated in the question. Having regard, however, to the general position as to supplies of salt, we are not able to spare any at present for exportation to destinations outside the Empire.
§ Mr. BRUNNERIs the hon. Gentleman aware that when I previously asked about this matter it was said that the Colonies were to come first, and that licences have been refused to the Colonies?
§ Mr. WARDLEI have no knowledge of licences having been refused to the Colonies. I said that the Empire was to come first. If the hon. Gentleman has any instances of any refusal to the Colonies, I wish he would send them to me.