HC Deb 19 July 1916 vol 84 cc1018-9
64. Commander BELLA IRS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that the British Minister and the commercial attache in Roumania have no staff for the purpose, whether he can state what agents were employed for the expenditure of £10,000,000 sterling in purchasing wheat in Roumania; and whether the Government is satisfied that the transaction has been carried through in a thoroughly satisfactory manner?

Lord R. CECIL

These purchases were conducted by a purchasing bureau under the supervision of His Majesty's Legation at Bucharest, assisted by expert advisers. This bureau only completed its purchases on the 14th instant, and until a final report has been received it would be premature to express an opinion upon the financial, as opposed to the political, aspect of the transaction.

Commander BELLAIRS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who is the financial adviser?

Lord R. CECIL

I cannot without notice.