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Copy of letter received from R. M. Stewart.

Dated February 6th. 1918
Herbert Shaw, Esq.
The Exchange
Newcastle-on-Tyne

Dear Sir,
Return of brokerage. At the close of the proceedings with the Controller on Friday last, he said that the deputation would not be surprised to learn that he would require to take away the brokerage from the exporters. Sir Daniel replied that the Treasury already took 80% of it and submitted on behalf of the exporters that there was no good case for the remaining 20% being taken from them. The Controller pointed out that perhaps it was rather a case of his Department versus the Treasury, not the Treasury versus the Exporters; that he required a substantial increase of funds to meet the obligations he had undertaken to the Collieries; that he did not wish to apply to Parliament for a grant for the purpose. He thought under all the circumstances that the Exporters would see the reasonableness of the brokerage being surrendered. Sir Daniel asked if they were to look upon this as practically a direction or demand. Mr. Calthrop replied that he was sure he would not need to put it in the form of a demand the Exporters' own sense of fairness would convince them that they ought to surrender it willingly. The brokerage would, of course, continue to be collected by the Exporters but would he handed over to the Collieries.
Yours faithfully,

R. M. Stewart