§ 95. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the proceedings of a special trades union congress, representative of 3,000,000 work people, held in London recently to protest against the increase in the cost of living; and whether, since farmers admit having already made considerable profits out of the increased prices due to the War, he will take steps to requisition the wool clip at the level of its price in 1914?
§ Mr. FORSTERMy attention has been drawn to the resolutions passed at the congress referred to. The object of controlling the British wool clip is to secure full supplies for the needs of the Armies in the field, and so far as possible to prevent undue inflation of the prices charged to the Government. I fear the proposal made by the hon. Member in the second part of the question would hardly recompense the patriotic efforts made by the agricultural interests to increase production during the War.