§ Sir R. COOPERasked the Minister of Blockade if his attention has been drawn to the large increase in the exports from the United Kingdom to neutral countries adjacent to Germany of both raw and manufactured wool and cotton during 1917 compared with 1913; and can he say that this conforms to the declared policy of His Majesty's Government in blockading the enemy?
§ Sir LAMING WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe figures referred to receive attention. The hon. Member has, however, fallen into the error of considering exports from the United Kingdom only, and has drawn an erroneous conclusion therefrom.1640W A proper understanding of the effects of blockade can be obtained by comparing the imports into neutral countries adjoining the enemy retained for home consumption in 1913 with similar imports from all countries in 1917. Such a comparison shows that on the average the imports have not been increased as the hon. Member seems to fear, but have been reduced by about 33 per cent. I am circulating the detailed figures with the OFFICIAL REPORT.
The following are the figures mentioned:
A.—Wool, Woollen Yarn and Woollen Manufactures. Country. Aggregate Imports from all sources, less all Exports, 1913,i.e., amount retained for home consumption. Aggregate gross Imports, 1917. Tons. Tons. Norway 4,103 2,665 Sweden 11,481 2,187 Denmark 5,383 3,657 Holland 9,442 7,609 Switzerland 10,112* 11,693 B.—Cotton, Cotton Yarn and Cotton Manufactures. Norway 10,005 10,452 Sweden 27,632 10,248 Denmark 13,293 9,253 Holland 48,435 29,461 Switzerland 45,309* 34,203 *Gross imports. In the case of Switzerland gross imports in 1913 afford the proper criterion, as Switzerland is manufacturing for the Allies