§ Lieut.-Colonel BURGOYNE asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is any shortage of sugar at the present time; what are the restrictions on the importation of sugar from abroad; and why were they imposed?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON: I have been asked to reply. As regards the first and third parts of the question I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for East Toxteth (Captain Rankin) on the 16th June. As regards the second part of the question, licences to take delivery of sugar are granted by the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply to private traders only in the following cases:—
§ (1) Contracts made prior to 31st October, 1919, and notified to the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply;
§ (2) British West India Grocery Crystallised and Grocery Muscovado; and
§ (3) Low Grade Sugar polarising 91 degrees or under.
1686W§ Lieut.-Colonel POWNALL asked the President of the Board of Trade through which channels or firms the Sugar Commission is now working; what is the policy in regard to the granting of licences; who issues them; and whether any of those responsible for such issue are themselves interested in the sugar trade?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON: I have been asked to reply. The Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply does not confine its transactions to any particular firms. With regard to the remaining parts of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the replies, given to-day to the hon. and gallant Member for Kensington, North (Lieut.-Colonel Burgoyne).
§ Lieut.-Colonel POWNALL asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any offers have been made to import sugar from Czecho-Slovakia, and, if such an offer be made, will a licence to import be granted; and, if not, why not?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON: I have been asked to reply. Suggestions have from time to time been made to the effect that sugar should be imported from Czecho-Slovakia. Should a definite offer be made, the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply will certainly give it serious consideration. With regard to private importation, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on the 16th June to the hon. and gallant Member for East Toxteth.