§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that toys for the spring and summer trade, which were ordered before 8th March and which arrived before 8th April, have been held up under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act, although all the necessary documents have been sworn and presented to the authorities; whether the Government propose to compensate the importers for the loss of market of the goods liberated too late for the season's trade; and whether the Government propose to accept the responsibility for the heavy charges for storage at the dock warehouses?
Mr. YOUNGMy right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has no knowledge of the particular cases to which the hon. Member refers, but he will be glad to inquire into them if he will let him have details. Every possible arrangement has been made to expedite delivery of goods imported in the circumstances mentioned in the question, and the Government cannot entertain any proposal for the payment of compensation.