§ Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that tonnage is urgently needed for 3,000 tons of coffee grown on British estates with British labour and capital, which the producers are under contract to deliver at South West Indian ports and steamers are under contract to bring to London; and, if so, whether he will take steps to ensure that these operations will not be impeded, to the ruin of the British coffee planters concerned and the inconvenience of those who count upon the produce of their estates?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I regret that it is not possible to provide tonnage for the purpose indicated by my hon. Friend. After careful consideration, the importation of coffee into the United Kingdom has been prohibited in order to make room for essential articles, and it is the fact that we are unable to provide sufficient space for the shipment of all the essential Indian cargoes which are offering.