45. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Prime Minister which Government Department is responsible for the 100 tons of coffee beans, part of a prize cargo, which have been lying in various stores in Middlesbrough since 1916; is he aware that about 47 tons of this coffee has been unloaded, stored, and reloaded no less than three times, at first being stored at Middlesbrough North Eastern Railway Dock, then transferred to Tyne Tees Wharf, and recently moved to Dent's Wharf; and if he will state the total costs incurred over this portion of the parcel from 1916 to date?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir G. Hewart)I have been asked to answer this question. I am informed that the Admiralty-Marshal, who is under the direction of the Prize Court, has the custody of the coffee referred to. The 47 tons are the remaining balance of coffee cargoes condemned as Prize and are of a quality suitable only for export, for which there has recently been no market. The answer to the third part of the question is £316 0s. 5d.
Mr. THOMSONWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that this is cleared as soon as possible so as to avoid further loss?
§ Sir G. HEWARTI fear I am not able to take any steps, but I am sure all possible steps have been taken and will be taken.