118. Sir H. DALZIELasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been directed to a circular issued by the British, Foreign, and Colonial Corporation, Limited, in which it is stated that the gross profits for the current year of Messrs. Wray, Sanderson and Company, seed crushers, of Hull, are estimated to exceed £100,000; whether a 804 minimum profit of £45,000 is guaranteed in the circular, after providing for all usual outgoings and Excess Profits Tax; whether the profits of 1914 are stated in the circular to have been £13,199, and in 1915 £79,595; and whether the increase in the profits for 1915 and the current year is due to the prices demanded of the farmer for cattle cake as compared with pre-war times?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD Of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Acland)I am obliged for the information conveyed in the question, and will have inquiry made with a view to considering whether it is a case in which action should be taken. Should it appear to be so, I will have the matter taken up with the proper authority.