§ 37. Mr. HOUSTONasked the number of British ships purchased by or on behalf of the Australian Commonwealth and their total gross register tonnage; the approximate date or dates on which these vessels were purchased; and how many cargoes of Australian wheat these vessels have brought from Australia to the United Kingdom from the time they were purchased up to the present date, giving the total weight of wheat brought to this country?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYThe number of vessels purchased in June, 1916, by the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia was fifteen of a total gross tonnage of 63,684 tons. No wheat has so far been brought by these vessels to this country from the time they were purchased; they have, however, carried nineteen cargoes of Australian wheat to France, in addition to a number of other important cargoes to various Allies and ports of the Empire.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs it a fact that the British Government gave permission to Mr. Hughes to purchase these ships and provided the money to pay for them in the belief that the ships were to bring home from Australia 14,000,000 quarters of wheat, for which we had paid a fixed rate, which are now lying rotting there?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYSurely my hon. Friend will see that he is raising matters of great importance, as to which I should be glad if he would put down a further question.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEIs it not a fact that these ships were used by Mr. Hughes for trading expeditions to the East and not coming to European ports at all?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYI have already said that in reference to any further question on the subject I must ask bon. Members to give me notice.