HC Deb 13 February 1919 vol 112 cc248-9
12. Brigadier-General CROFT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many proclaimed enemy firms in Scandinavia and Holland have been taken off the statutory list since the signing of the Armistice; and whether, seeing that the police of taking these enemy traders in neutral countries off the statutory list is unfair to other loyal neutral traders, he will take steps to afford trading facilities to these loyal neutral traders during the Armistice?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Since the signing of the Armistice, 101 names out of a total of 552 have been removed from the statutory list for Holland, and 215 names out of a total of 744 from the statutory list for Scandinavia. These names are, however, those of neutral traders. All enemy firms are retained on the statutory list.

Every endeavour is already being made, and will continue to be made, to afford to loyal neutral traders such trading facilities as are compatible with the maintenance of the blockade, which, as my hon. and gallant Friend is doubtless aware, is one of the conditions of the Armistice.

Sir R. COOPER

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some of those proclaimed enemy firms are at present dumping German goods in this country?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

No, Sir; I am not aware of it, but inquiries will be made.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Is it not premature to abandon any methods that we have of bringing pressure to bear upon Germany pending the peace?