HC Deb 28 March 1917 vol 92 cc428-9
80. Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he can state the freight charge on a bushel of wheat from Australia at Blue Book rates?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING CONTROL (Sir Leo Chiozza Money)

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. An exact equivalent cannot be stated, but the liners are paid at the rate of 70s. per ton, which is calculated to be equivalent to Blue Book rates. This may be taken to be roughly a rate of Is. 10½d. a bushel.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Can the hon. Gentleman state the rate at which wheat is now being imported from Australia?

Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEY

Yes; 1s. 10½d. per bushel is the figure for which my hon. Friend asks.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Is wheat being imported at the rate which has been given?

Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEY

The answer is in the affirmative. That is the rate.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is it not the high freight charge which is responsible for bread jumping up 2½d. per loaf? [An HON. MEMBER: "NO!"] I say yes, absolutely.

Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEY

It is 1½d. on the four-pound loaf.