§ Mr. RUNCIMANI beg to move, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill to give powers in connection with the present War to obtain information as to stocks of Articles of Commerce and for enabling possession to be taken of any such articles unreasonably withheld."
The Bill asks powers in connection with the present War for obtaining information as to stocks of articles of commerce, and for enabling possession to be taken of such articles as are unreasonably withheld. It is supplementary to the Act passed a fortnight ago. We have found it difficult in some cases to ascertain the amounts of stocks which are withheld. This makes the Act recently passed nugatory in some particulars. I ask leave to introduce this Bill in order to make that Act a working Act.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTI should like to ask if articles of commerce include wheal and other articles of farm produce?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIt is proposed to include not only wheat, but also the foodstuffs for animals.
Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. Runciman, Sir Harry Verney, and Mr. Robertson. Presented accordingly and read a first time; to be read a second time To-morrow and to be printed. [Bill 385.]