§ 22. Mr. THEODORE TAYLORasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that a quantity of prize wool most suitable for manufacture into cloth for Army purposes, taken from Swedish steamers, has been for months past lying in London docks; and whether, in view of the present scarcity of this kind of wool, steps will be taken immediately to utilise it for national purposes?
§ Mr. FORSTERI understand that the Prize Court have not yet adjudicated on the wool to which the hon. Member refers. As soon as the Prize Court condemns any cargo of wool, steps are taken to render it available for national purposes.
§ Mr. TAYLORWill the hon. Gentleman endeavour to quicken the procedure of the Prize Court, because this article is very much needed at present?
§ Mr. FORSTERI will see if anything can be done.
§ 25. Mr. TAYLORasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he has given instructions or, if he has not already done so, whether he will give instructions that auctioneers who sell Government wool may publish the prices of the wool that they sell by auction as is the case with other wools?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe hon. Member's suggestions are being submitted to the Advisory Committee concerned, and the Department will be prepared to consider their recommendations on the subject. Prices are already published with regard to much of the wool sold on Government account.
§ Mr. TAYLORMay I ask if the hon. Gentleman is willing to be guided by the practical men on the Advisory Committees?
§ Mr. FORSTER"Yes, certainly I have no feeling one way or the other.
§ 26. Mr. TAYLORasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether it is intended to convert into a committee the list of names published as a panel, from which to select names of sub-committees, to advise as to the sale and distribution of Australian and New Zealand wool?
§ Mr. FORSTERFour standing committees have already been set up and all have held general meetings. Each of these committees deals with a particular branch of the subject, and this division of labour has been found more conducive to efficiency and prompt dispatch of business than concentration in the hands of a large general committee. It is not proposed to make any alteration in the present procedure, but as often as may be necessary two or more of the committees will sit together on matters which concern: both of them.