§ 64. Mr. HUDSONasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether the cargoes seized by our warships comprising food-stuffs, much of which is perishable, will be immediately sold for the benefit of the community in the district; (2) what steps are being taken to relieve the congestion of goods and perishable food-stuffs (stored in the warehouses on the river Tyne) from the prize ships seized by our warships; and whether in one warehouse at Newcastle-on-Tyne there are 1,700 tons of green bacon and lard rapidly going bad?
Mr. RUNCIMANI have been in communication with the Admiralty Marshal regarding the matter referred to in my hon. Friend's two questions, and he informs me that prompt steps are being taken to dispose of all perishable food-stuffs in his custody. 1644 He also informs me that commodities of this kind are examined on being landed and are periodically examined and reported upon by experts, and any necessary action is taken. As regards the congestion of perishable food-stuffs and other goods stored on the Tyne, instructions have already been given to brokers to sell large portions of these goods.