§ 53. Colonel CROFTasked the dumber of oatmeal mills in Scotland in 1900 and 1916; what quantity of oatmeal, including groats, rolled oats, and Quaker oats, was imported in the last completed year before the War, from the United States and Germany, respectively, and what the corresponding figures were in 1860 and 1890?
§ Mr. PRETYMANI have no information as to the number of mills in Scotland engaged in the preparation of oatmeal. The imports of oatmeal, groats, and rolled oats (including Quaker oats) from the United States in 1913 amounted to 411,000 cwts., and the imports from Germany to 56,000 cwts. In 1890 the imports (classified as oatmeal and groats) from the United States amounted to 265,000 cwts., and in 1860 the imports of oatmeal from that country amounted to 5,000 cwts. Imports from Germany were not separately distinguished in either year, but the imports from all foreign sources other than the United States amounted to a few hundredweights only.
§ Colonel CROFTWill the hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to the number of mills in Scotland, in order that the Board of Trade may discover what might be done?
§ Mr. PRETYMANA considerable amount of time is already spent by the Board of Trade in making inquiries, and we really cannot undertake to make any further inquiries except such as are absolutely necessary.
§ Colonel CROFTIs it, not necessary that this most important industry in Scotland should have the watchful attention of the Board of Trade?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThe question of the supply of oatmeal is a most important matter, and has the attention of the Board of Trade, but the exact number of mills in Scotland does not appear to be necessary.
§ Mr. MOLTENOIs the hon. Gentleman aware that some of the most important mills are only working half time because their labour has been taken away?