§ 3. Mr. EUGENE WASONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the large purchase of wool by Italy at the recent wool sales at Sydney; and whether, as Italy has not the machinery to use all the wool she has taken from various sources since the war started and as she has not as yet declared war upon Germany, he will make special representations to the Italian Government that none of such wool is permitted to go into Germany or Austria?
§ Lord R. CECILThe importance of preventing wool from reaching Germany and Austria-Hungary has frequently been brought to the notice of the Italian Government, who have prohibited the export of all wool from Italy and have taken strict measures to prevent smuggling which I have every reason to believe are effective.
§ 9. Mr. EUGENe WASONaaked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, as the result of permitting all the Allies to compete for wool in Sydney, Italy had taken most of the wool and compelled another serious advance in prices; and whether these continued heavy Colonial purchases will receive the serious attention of the Government?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER Of WORKS (Mr. Harcourt)The decision to allow the Allies to take part in the recent wool sales in Australia was arrived at after the most careful consideration, and after consultation with the Australian Prime Minister. The whole position is receiving the closest attention of His Majesty's Government.