§ Mr. GODFREY COLLINSasked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of refined sugar Russia has exported to this country in each of the last six years; and the total quantity of refined sugar imported into this country from all countries in each of the last six years?
Mr. ROBERTSONThe following statement shows the quantity of refined sugar imported into the United Kingdom during the years 1906 to 1911 inclusive, distinguishing the quantity consigned from Russia:—
Year. Total Imports of Refined Sugar. Of which from Russia. Cwts. Cwts. 1906 … 18,096,163 — 1907 … 19,689,603 — 1908 … 18,819,749 802,814* 1909 … 18,887,438 599,569 1910 … 16,883,107 42,264 1911 … 18,744,524 2,194,541 * Imported after 1st September, 1908.
§ Mr. GODFREY COLLINSasked the President of the Board of Trade if all the foreign countries who signed the Brussels Convention in 1908 have agreed to the renewal of the Convention for five years from 1st September, 1913; and can he say what quantity of sugar each country is permitted to export?
Mr. ROBERTSONThe Protocol continuing the Sugar Convention for five years was signed by representatives of all the countries which were parties to the existing Convention, with the exception of the United Kingdom and Italy. It has been ratified by all the European Powers which export sugar, and by Switzerland, Luxemburg, and Peru, but, so far as I am aware, it has not yet been ratified by Sweden. Under the Convention, Sweden, Switzerland, and Italy are not permitted to export any sugar so long as they maintain their existing fiscal arrangements with 3199W regard to this article. Russia is permitted to export 350,000 tons this season to western markets, but is not restricted as regards exports to Finland and certain Asiatic markets. With these exceptions, there is no limitation upon the amount of sugar which any of the parties to the Convention is permitted to export.