§ 111. Mr. MYERSasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state what are the latest figures available relating to the stocks of wool in the country, together with the quantities purchased and in transit or awaiting shipment, with such comparative figures as are available for the years 1913 and 1916?
Mr. HOPEI have been asked to reply to this question. I regret that I have no information as to the stocks of wool of all descriptions in this country. The Government ownership of raw wool extends to Australian and New Zealand wool only. Of these, the unsold stocks in the United Kingdom on 31st March last amounted to approximately 527,000 bales. The quantity afloat on the same date for 1045 the United Kingdom was 272,000 bales. The number of bales in Australia and New Zealand appraised and awaiting shipment on 31st March was approximately 1,900,000. The Government control of Australasian wool did not begin until the end of 1916, and I regret, therefore, that no comparative figures for that year and 1913 are available.