§ 14. Sir R. COOPERasked the President of the Board of Trade why the amount of Alsatian potash, for which the licence was granted in July or August last, was limited to 20,000 tons, and what assurance has been given to France that no further obstacles will be placed upon the importation of Alsatian potash into this country?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe quantity named was the estimated amount required for agricultural and industrial purposes in this country in addition to the domestic production and the quantities to be received from Germany in part credit for food-stuffs, but it was intimated that further quantities would be licensed should the need therefore become apparent There are at present no restrictions upon the importation of potash salts of French or any other origin, but no assurances on the subject have been given to the French Government.
§ Sir R. COOPERIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a shortage of this material for British agriculturists at present, and will he assist importers as far as a Government Department properly can to get supplies into the country to meet the needs of the community?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANWill my hon. Friend tell us how we can?