§ 49. Mr. COOPERasked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to the purchase of over 20,000,000 acres of rich pasture land in South America by the Farquahar Trust operated from Chicago; if so, has he considered the position into which the supply and cost of the food of the people of the United Kingdom is falling owing to the ever-increasing control of all sources of food supplies by American trusts; and will the Government take adequate means to investigate without delay the danger that threatens the food supplies of this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI understand that a large tract of land has recently been acquired by American interests north of the River Pilcomayo, and that proposals are under consideration for the agricultural development of the region. A Departmental Committee appointed by the Board of Trade to inquire into the effect of the operations of combinations in the meat trade on the supply of meat to this country reported in 1909, and I do not think that any circumstances have yet arisen which call for a second inquiry on similar lines. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Report. All developments of the character referred to in the question are being carefully watched by His Majesty's representatives in the districts concerned.