HC Deb 28 July 1915 vol 73 cc2268-9
33. Mr. BIGLAND

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the intention of the Government to continue the I monopoly of the purchase of sugar until the termination of the War; if so, will the present Home Secretary take over his work in this connection; and will the responsible Minister give an undertaking that all commissions paid to brokers or merchants shall be confined to firms of British origin and associations?

Mr. McKENNA

I am unable to make any statement in reply to the first part of the question. No change is contemplated in the membership of the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply, whose practice it is to pay no commissions on the purchase of sugar. The Commission, as is customary, buy at a net price from the Colonial or foreign sellers.

Mr. BIGLAND

I am perfectly aware that that is the custom. I would like to know if the German firms already employed in this business will be discontinued?

Mr. McKENNA

There is no German firm employed in this business.

34. Mr. BUTCHER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Mr. J. J. Runge, of the firm of Tolme and Runge, was appointed expert adviser on sugar to the Royal Commission on Food Supply in August, 1914; and whether, in view of the important information of which such expert adviser necessarily becomes possessed and of the fact that Mr. Runge is a member of a German firm at Hamburg, he will take steps to appoint a man of British origin in lieu of Mr. Runge?

Mr. McKENNA

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Mr. Runge is not a member of any firm at Hamburg or any German firm. He is a natural-born British subject whose father was born in Cuba, and has the well-deserved confidence of the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply.

Mr. PETO

Is it not a fact that this firm was employed to make very large purchases of cane sugar as well as beet sugar, although they have no special connection with the cane-sugar market, while English firms have?

Mr. McKENNA

If the hon. Member had listened to my reply to the question he would have heard that the father was born in Cuba, and lived there all his life. Like all other British firms, they have considerable experience of beet sugar.

35. Mr. BUTCHER

further asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the firm of Tolme and Runge has been allowed to do business in purchasing sugar on commission for the Government and other principals since August, 1914, while Mr. Runge has been acting as expert adviser on sugar to the Royal Commission; and whether he will take steps to terminate this state of things and to employ only firms of British origin and associations to purchase sugar on their behalf?

Mr. McKENNA

Messrs. Tolme and Runge have bought no sugar on commission for the Government. As already explained, the Royal Commission buy sugar at a net price from the Colonial or foreign seller. Mr. J. J. Runge has retired during his employment by the Royal Commission from all participation in the business of Messrs. Tolme and Runge.