§ MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)To ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the statement made at the recent meeting of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, that Continental cotton mills situated in countries where gambling in "futures" and cotton is prohibited, were better supplied with raw material; and whether he will make inquiries upon the effect of gambling in "futures," with a view to introducing safeguarding international legislation.
§ MR. FIELDTo ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the dis-organisation of the produce exchange, the distress of cotton operatives, and the shortage of supply to manufacturers being further diminished by gamblers in "futures," he will correspond with President Rooseveldt, suggesting a conference regarding international co-operation to prevent, by prohibitive legislation, the evil effects arising from corners in raw materials and foodstuffs.
(Answered by Mr. A. J. Balfour.) With regard to these Questions I can only say that such a statement may have been made, though, I understand, nothing to that effect appears in any reports of the meetings of the Associated Chambers of Commerce which have been consulted, nor, as I urn informed, is dealing in "futures," so far as cotton is concerned, forbidden in any cotton manufacturing country. I gather that the Royal Commission on Food Supplies in time of War is taking evidence on the question of gambling in "futures."