§ 73. Mr. HOUSTONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the British Government restriction imposed upon British steamers loading in the River Plate that they shall reserve from 50 per cent. upwards of their total cargo capacity for the carriage of wheat to this country has resulted in neutral steamers obtaining some 20s. to 30s. per ton higher freight for full cargoes of maize to the United Kingdom than British steamers?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe Requisitioning (Carriage of Foodstuffs) Committee, who are entrusted with the provision of tonnage for the importation of wheat have requested the liner companies to reserve for the present an average of 50 per cent. of their available deadweight capacity for wheat. I am aware that maize is able to pay a higher freight than wheat, but it is necessary to import a certain amount of Plate wheat to this country.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a recent case a percentage of 75 was insisted on, with the result shown in the question?
Mr. RUNCIMANI shall be happy to have that case brought to my notice. It has been necessary to insist on a large proportion of liners' space being reserved for wheat in order to keep up our stocks here.
§ Mr. HOUSTONBut is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is not always obtainable?