§ 12. Mr. J. GARDINERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the company formed to erect mills for the production of farina was promoted by the Government, by private individuals, or by both; what was the capital invested in the company; who were the individuals, and to what extent did they each advance part of the capital; how many mills were erected, and where; did they produce farina; if so, what quantity and at which of the mills; what did the mills cost; are they still in use; if sold or for sale, at what prices; are the private subscribers paid out; and, if so, when and on what terms?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEAs the answer to this question is somewhat long and detailed, I propose with my hon. Friend's permission to circulate it in the OFFICIAL HEPOBT.
§ The following is the answer:
§ The company was promoted by private individuals with Government support. £20,000 was the capital invested by the following persons:
| £ | |
| Mr. H. W. Richards | 8,000 |
| Mr. D. L. Pattullo | 5,999 |
| Mr. H. Gunson | 3,000 |
| Mr. A. E. Harris | 3,000 |
| Mr. C. W. Higgs | 1 |
| £20,000 |
§ No mills were erected, but four were acquired at King's Lynn, Boston, Monikie, and Hull.
§ The following two mills produced farina as under:
| tons | cwts. | qrs. | |
| King's Lynn | 1,875 | 12 | 2 |
| Boston | 150 | — | — |
§ The cost of the mills with equipment amounted to £247,000. The mills at Boston have been purchased by certain farmers in that area and are again producing farina; the other mills are not in use at present. The Boston mills have been sold and the others are for sale on the best possible terms. Private subscribers were paid out in London at par.