HC Deb 14 April 1919 vol 114 cc2482-3
34. Sir A. WILLIAMSON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether there are restrictions placed by the British Government on the shipment by British subjects of nitrate of soda from the West Coast of South America; and whether these restrictions can now be removed?

Mr. KELLAWAY

Nitrate of soda is a war material to which Defence of the Realm Regulation 30 A has been applied. The question of the removal of control of this material has been under consideration, and it is hoped that an announcement giving the date when the control will be removed will be issued this week.

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

Is it not the case that, while the Government prevents British manufacturers from selling nitrate and British merchants from bringing it into this country, the Government itself has sold to Holland nitrate for Germany?

Mr. KELLAWAY

That goes much further than the question on the Paper.

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

Is it not the case that the 'Government itself has sold nitrate to Holland for Germany?

Mr. KELLAWAY

That does not arise.