HC Deb 17 May 1916 vol 82 c1498
10. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can now state which Government Department is responsible for sending Australian wheat in requisitioned or controlled British ships to Spain and the reason for sending this wheat to Spain instead of bringing it to the United Kingdom; and whether he will state how many British vessels have already delivered cargoes of Australian wheat in Spain and the total weight of these cargoes, and how many British steamers are loading Australian wheat or are on voyage to Spain, and the approximate weight of their cargoes?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The responsibility for these ships carrying wheat to Spain rests with the Commonwealth Government. I am not able to give the information asked for in the second part of the question.

Mr. HOUSTON

Has the Commonwealth Government the right to send these ships?