HC Deb 01 November 1916 vol 86 c1726
105. Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the agents representing the New Zealand cheese sellers in Tooley Street, London, made an offer to the Government some time ago to sell all their cheese at a reasonable price, which offer was refused; if he is aware that the Government afterwards made large purchases of cheese at a very much higher rate than that offered by the New Zealand agents, with the result that the price of cheese increased to consumers; and if he can give any reasons why the Government refused to accept the offer made by the New Zealand agents?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I know of no such offer having been made either to the Board of Trade or to the War Office.