§ 68. Mr. W. THORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the 1258 total number of sheeps and lambs, Government owned, which have been placed on Smithfield Market for the months of November, December, January, and February last, respectively; whether certain persons upon whose advice his Department acts are interested in firms who have gambled in and held up River Plate frozen mutton and lamb; and whether, during the last two months, in order to sustain the rise in River Plate produce, these people have advised his Department to market as few Government lambs and sheep as possible?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD CONTROL (Captain Bathurst)I have been asked to reply. The hon. Member apparently has certain information which has not been brought to my notice. The Food Controller fully sympathises with his desire to prevent speculation in the meat market as in other markets. I shall be glad to discuss with the hon. Member the most effective method of further investigation.
§ Mr. THORNEI would like to ask, for future information, whether we are supposed to put these questions to the Board of Trade or to the Food Controller?
Captain BATHURSTIf the hon. Member is referring to the previous question, Smithfield Market: Alleged Meat Gambling, I can only say that that question was not brought to my notice; I have heard nothing of it.