§ 48. Mr. AMMONasked the Prime. Minister whether his attention has been called to the illicit importation of alcoholic liquors into the United States of America by ships flying the British flag; and whether steps will be taken to prevent such action against the law of a friendly Power?
55. Mr. J. H. SIMPSONasked the Prime Minister whether any representations have been made by the Government of the United States as to the extensive smuggling of spirituous liquor from Nassau, Bahamas, and other West Indian ports into the United States, and that the facilities afforded to smugglers in those ports render the enforcement of the prohibition laws in the United States increasingly difficult; and whether it is proposed to take any steps to prevent owners of British shipping abetting breaches of the law of a friendly State?
Mr. McNEILLRepresentations have been made by the United States Government with regard to the export of liquor from West Indian ports, which appears subsequently to be introduced into the United States by small craft. putting off from the United States coast and manned by United States citizens. Ti is very difficult for His Majesty's Government to interfere with the legitimate export of any article from British territory, especially as action by His Majesty's Government. alone would merely drive the trade into other channels. His Majesty's Government would, however, deplore any complicity of British subjects in infringements of the law of the United States, and I am considering, in consultation with the other Departments concerned, whether any action can be taken in the sense desired by the United States Government..
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs the hon. Gentleman aware that vessels are leaving United Kingdom ports manned by British seamen who are, handed revolvers at the commencement- of the voyage and are offered fairly high wages as an inducement to undertake what. is regarded as a risk in conveying liquor from these shores to American ports?
Mr. J. H. SIMPSONIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the rising indignation in America on this subject, and whether he is aware of the address by Mr. W. J. Bryan on the question?
Mr. McNEILLI am aware of the indignation, and I think the answer I have read shows that His Majesty's Government appreciate it and are trying to take action accordingly. In regard to the question of the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Shinwell) I have no information to that effect.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIf information is furnished to him, will the hon. Member take action in the matter?
Mr. McNEILLIf the hon. Member will furnish me with information, I will certainly consider what action is necessary in consequence.