VISCOUNT TEMPLETOWNMy Lords, I rise to ask His Majesty's Government if the Sulphate of Ammonia Export Traders' Association, who control the sales of sulphate of ammonia, are correct in informing applicants for permits that such cannot be granted for shipments to Spain, and, if so, whether it is true, as reported, that several firms, amongst them Mr. G. M. Bauer, the Chairman of the Association, are offering sulphate of ammonia in Spain.
§ LORD ERNLEMy Lords, the export of sulphate of ammonia is restricted, and the Board of Agriculture controls the amount that can be exported. The principle upon which we go is that we provide for all the wants of the agriculture of the United Kingdom, and whatever surplus remains has been hitherto allotted only to Allied countries and to our own Dominions. At the same time there is no doubt that the Sulphate of Ammonia Association are preparing to re-start their business with Spain as soon as the surplus of sulphate of ammonia allows. The increase in sulphate of ammonia production has been considerable, and the increased use of it by agriculture has been very great. The export of sulphate of ammonia has been cut down most drastically during the last two or three years. I think the explanation of Mr. Bauer, on behalf of the Sulphate of Ammonia Association, offering sulphate of ammonia in Spain is that he is anxious to keep up the trading connection with Spain, and is finding out what orders he may be able to place if and when there is sufficient sulphate of ammonia to export after satisfying our own needs and those of our Dominions and Allies.
VISCOUNT TEMPLETOWNMay I point out to the noble Lord that I do not think my Question has been quite answered. I asked whether the Traders Association were correct in informing applicants for permits that sulphate of ammonia could not be sent out yet. On the other hand I am told that Mr. Bauer is making arrangements to send it out. If he has not got permission to do so I do not see how he is in a position to promise to send it out.
§ LORD ERNLEI am afraid I did not make myself clear. All permits are regulated by the Board of Agriculture. If there is a surplus of sulphate of ammonia available after satisfying our agricultual needs we license that for export, in the first instance, to our Dominions and our Allies. Hitherto there has not been a surplus at all, except for those two purposes—namely, for the Dominions and the Allies. There is none now. There will be no sulphate of ammonia going to Spain; and, as I tried to explain, if Mr. Bauer is inquiring in Spain where he can place orders for sulphate of ammonia, it is in the expectation that some day or other there may be a sufficient surplus to export. I hope the noble Viscount is satisfied.
THE MARQUESS OF CREWEMay I ask a question arising out of what my noble friend has just said? I understand the position is that there is no sulphate to go to Spain now, but that Mr. Bauer and probably some of those associated with him are making inquiries in Spain in order that if and when export is permitted they may be in a position to supply there. What I should like to know is, Does the position of Mr. Bauer give him an advantage in taking that step over those persons to whom the noble Lord has alluded, who are unable now to get permits? Would it be equally easy for there, to make similar arrangements in Spain for the supply; because, if not, it would appear as though some advantage was given to Mr. Bauer in respect of his position, over and above that which is open to the ordinary exporter.
§ LOAD ERNLEI can quite see the noble Marquess's point. Mr. Bauer has no official position whatever. He is not associated with the Board of Agriculture in the most remote fashion. He is merely the head of the principal manufacturers of sulphate of ammonia, and were he or anybody else to apply who had sulphate of ammonia to dispose of, they would all be 706 treated on exactly the same footing, and there would be no favour shown.
§ LORD EMMOTTPerhaps I might explain to the noble Viscount opposite. Probably what has happened is this—I do not know the circumstances—that somebody, desiring to know whether it was possible to export sulphate of ammonia to Spain, has applied to the War Trade Department, which, knowing the policy of the Board of Agriculture and acting, indeed, in regard to this particular commodity entirely according to the wishes and instructions of the Board of Agriculture, has replied that that was not permissible at present.