§ LORD BERESFORDMy Lords, there is a Notice standing in my name to call attention to the serious depletion of mercantile tonnage for trade purposes, and to move for Papers. This Notice deals with, perhaps, the most important question from a national point of view, both now and in the near future. Lord Curzon, who I hoped would reply for the Government, is laid up at present. I have had a letter from him in which he says that he will be very glad as soon as possible after Easter to answer any suggestions I might make. Therefore I ask your Lordships' permission to postpone this matter until after the Easter recess.