§ The following question stood on the Paper in the name of Mr. OUTHWAITE: 12. To ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, through having control of shipping, the Government has been able to compel Australian farmers to accept 39s. per quarter for the wheat purchased from them, on which the freight charge to England is 15s. per quarter; and can he say why, under these circumstances, the Government has not compelled British farmers to sell wheat at less than the maximum price which has been fixed of 78s. per quarter?
Captain BATHURSTThis question was asked and answered yesterday, and I may add that I think questions of this character are not in the public interest.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEI asked for this question to be postponed till to-day. Cannot the hon. and gallant Gentleman find me a reply now?
Captain BATHURSTNo, because such a request never reached me, and the answer was, in fact, sent to the hon. Member.
§ 28. Mr. MARTINasked the Prime Minister whether the Government have made a profit by transactions in futures on the Chicago and Winnipeg wheat markets?
Captain BATHURSTI have been asked to reply. The Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies have from time to time bought options in Canadian and American markets with a view to subsequent conversion into actual wheat. These options are not conducted for profit, although occasional profits may have ensued, but it is improbable that any profit will mature on the whole transaction, which is being conducted with the object of securing grain and not of making money.