HC Deb 22 April 1915 vol 71 cc377-8
10. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether purchases of Argentine wheat have been made on British Government account and, if so, by which Government Department, and when the broker or agent commenced to purchase, and if he will state the total quantity so purchased up to present date; whether he will give the names of the individuals or firms employed by the Government as their agents or brokers to make the said purchases, and the scale of commissions, and total amount of commissions paid to them on the transactions; whether these individuals or firms during such period operated on their own account either in buying or selling as well as acting for the Government; whether any of the wheat so purchased has been disposed of in this country; whether the same individuals or firms chartered tonnage for the oversea conveyance of such Government purchases; and if he will state the brokerages they received either directly or indirectly on these charters?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir Harry Verney)

Certain purchases of wheat were made on account of the British Government beginning last December, under instructions from the Cabinet Committee on Food Supplies, by a Committee comprising representatives of the War Office, Admiralty, Board of Trade. Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, and the Treasury. We have been in communication with the representatives of the corn trade, on whom the nation must mainly rely for bringing supplies of breadstuffs to this country, and they were informed that the purchases on behalf of the Government ceased some time ago. It would not be in the public interests to announce the details of the transaction at the present time.

Mr. HOUSTON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when it became known the Government were purchasing, exporters of wheat from the Argentine immediately curtailed or suspended operations, and diverted the wheat elsewhere?

Sir H. VERNEY

I have nothing to add to the full answer I have given.

Mr. HOUSTON

It is hardly a full answer.