§ Mr. TOUCHEasked the President of the Board of Trade if the attention of the Government has been drawn to the increase beyond the normal in the amount 241W of cargoes of foodstuffs and fuel to neutral countries; and will he say what steps are being taken and what guarantees are being received, in addition to the demands of certificates of origin and declarations of ultimate destination, to satisfy the Government that such cargoes are not finding their way as re-exports to the enemy's territory?
Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware that the exports from this country of certain descriptions of foodstuffs have been greater than last year. The exports of coal, however, to neutral countries are not so great as a year ago. The Trading with the Enemy Committee require guarantees in certain cases as to the ultimate destination of exports before recommending the grant of licences, and I may point out that the majority of the neutral States of Europe have prohibited the export of some of the more important foodstuffs and fuels. I should add that the export from the United Kingdom of wheat, wheat flour, and other important foodstuffs to foreign countries is prohibited.