HC Deb 22 May 1919 vol 116 cc549-51
30. Lieut-Colonel Sir J. NORTON GRIFFITHS

asked the Food Controller if he will state when maize will be decontrolled?

The MINISTER for FOOD (Mr. Roberts)

I am unable to make an exact statement on this subject at the present time, but I can. assure the hon. and gallant Member that control of maize will not be maintained for a day longer than is necessary. I will make an announcement upon the subject as soon as possible.

Mr. JOHN JONES

Can he tell us when steps will be taken to stop the people from being robbed?

31. Sir N. GRIFFITHS

asked the Food Controller if he is taking the necessary steps to inform the corn markets and consumers of the amount of maize now available and the amount in sight for shipment?

Mr. ROBERTS

No special steps are taken to issue exact statements of this character. I may say, however, that the general position in regard to the amount of maize now available and in sight for shipment is well known to the trade.

Sir N. GRIFFITHS

Will my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of taking the necessary steps to inform the dealers in corn and maize as to the possible shipments that may be expected, with a view to enabling them to carry on their business in a, businesslike way?

Mr. ROBERTS

I am informed that they well understand the position, but if they desire any special information which it is possible for me to impart I shall be very glad to do so.

32. Sir N. GRIFFITHS

asked the Food Controller if he will state the total quantity of maize now in Government charge in this country; and how much is the produce of the British Empire?

Mr. ROBERTS

The total quantity of maize now in Government charge in this country is 94,368 quarters of 480 lbs. Of this quantity 18,200 quarters are the produce of the British Empire.

Sir R. COOPER

Is it a fact that his Department prohibited the importation of certain shipments of maize in order to bolster up the price to consumers?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of this question.

33. Sir N. GRIFFITHS

asked the Food Controller whether the British Government has received representations from the Union Government of South Africa with a view to encouraging the shipment and development of the maize trade between that country and Great Britain; and If any requests have been made to facilitate the shipment of large quantities of maize now stored in South Africa and awaiting shipment?

Mr. ROBERTS

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and I may say that the bulk of last season's crop of South African maize has been purchased by the British Government, and that steps are now being taken to secure considerable quantities of the present crop. I have not received any requests to the effect stated in the last part of the question. I am informed that the remaining stocks of last season's crop awaiting shipment at South African ports are very small. Tonnage is being provided for the shipment of these stocks at the earliest possible date.

Sir N. GRIFFITHS

Whenever possible will preference be given to British-grown maize over foreign?

Mr. ROBERTS

I think I have covered that point in my reply to the question on the Paper.