§ Brigadier-General CROFTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that Jamaica grape fruit is being sold in London of which the wrappers bear full instructions in German; and whether shipping space is being allotted to any German firm, or firm with German connection, for the importation of grape fruit into this country when it is with the utmost difficulty that the produce of British firms can be shipped, or whether German firms are already permitted to supply wrappers in the territory of the British Empire when the making of such wrappers would be giving employment to British people?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANMy attention had not previously been called to the fact alleged, but there is now no reason why, if the fruit is produced in and exported from Jamaica, it should not be admitted under the general licence for Colonial produce. Under this general licence no inquiry would be made into the nationality of the firm exporting from the Colony. I cannot say what policy has been adopted throughout the British Empire in regard to the importation of German goods, but a general licence has been issued in the United Kingdom allowing the resumption of trade with Germany subject to certain import and export prohibitions. I am informed that the Colonies not possessing 1671W responsible government and the Protectorates have been instructed to issue similar general licences, and, as there are no import prohibitions in Jamaica, there is nothing to prevent the importation of German goods (including wrappers) into that Colony. The wrappers may, of course, be taken from old stock.