§ Mr. BOYTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can state what the yearly average export of malt in hundredweights has been for the five years previous to the 1st September, 1914; the total quantity in hundredweights of the contracts for export made from the 1st September, 1914, to 21st May, 1915; the quantity in hundredweights exported from the 1st September, 1914, to the 29th January, 1915; the date of the proclamation of prohibition of exports; the quantity in hundredweights for which licences to export have been granted from the 29th January, 1915, to date; the quantity in hundredweights for which it is intended, under the decision of the late President of the Board of Agriculture, to grant further licences; and will he state the names of persons who have been granted licences?
§ Mr. ACLANDThe information desired by the hon. Member is as follows:—The annual average export of malt in the five years ending 1st September, 1914, was 258,155 cwts. The exports from the 1st September, 1914, to 31st January, 1915, amounted to 214,939 cwts. The date of the prohibition of export was the 3rd February, 1915. Licences for export have86W been recommended in respect of 647,300 cwts. The contracts for exports during 1st September, 1914, to 21st May, 1915, cannot be given, and it is not possible to state what further action may be taken. The names of the firms to whom licences have been granted do not appear to be a matter of public interest.