§ Mr. L. HARDYasked the President of the Board of Trade why permits to import hops are still being given; whether he will now take steps to bring the prohibition absolutely into force, seeing that there is no sign of any scarcity of hops in this country; and whether he can give the total quantity of hops imported since the prohibition came into force on 8th June, with the amounts from each importing country, and also the names of the merchants or dealers, and the quantities of hops imported by each since prohibition came into effect?
Mr. HARCOURTThe following are the quantities of hops imported into the United Kingdom since 8th June, distinguishing the countries whence consigned:
Cwts. From United States … … 20,178 From Russia … … 312 From Belgium … … 1,075 From France … … 158 From Tasmania … … 46 From New Zealand … … 577 From Canada … … 130 22,476 It is contrary to Customs precedent to publish the names of individual importers and the quantities imported by them. By far the greater part of the quantities imported have been admitted in accordance with the standing arrangement as to goods 2086W en route before the prohibition. A small proportion was admitted under licence on the ground that it was paid for before the prohibition.
§ Mr. R. McNEILLasked what quantities of Foreign hops were imported in the week ending 5th July, and in each subsequent week respectively; whether the continued importation of hops up to the present is to be accounted for on the ground that they represent delivery of goods contracted for before the prohibition of imports; and what quantities of hops contracted for as aforesaid still remain to be delivered?
Mr. HARCOURTThe figures are:
Cwts. For the week ended 5th July 929 For the week ended 12th July nil For the week ended 19th July 630 For the week ended 26th July 1,119 For the week ended 2nd August July 1,203 For the week ended 9th July 1,805 No hops have been admitted on the sole ground that they were contracted for prior to the prohibition. They must have been actually paid for by the consignees in this country, or en route to them, before the announcement of the prohibition. I have no information as regards the last part of the question.
§ Mr. MCNEILLasked what is the total quantity of foreign hops imported into this country since the intention of the Government to prohibit such importation was announced in Parliament?
Mr. HARCOURTI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer which I have given to the question put by the hon. Member for Ashford, which covers the imports of hops since the date when the prohibition came into force.