§ 8. Mr. GILBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government still hold stocks of butter in this 1775 country and, if so, can be give, approximately, the quantity held here and at what price it is being offered to the trade; can he state if there are still any stocks to arrive in this country from any contracts placed with the Dominion or other governments; and if he can state, approximately, what quantity has still to be delivered under such contracts?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe Government still hold stocks of butter, but for reasons frequently explained to the House it is not desirable, while liquidation is in progress, to disclose stocks. The quantity of butter afloat from Australasia and lying unshipped in New Zealand amounts to approximately 8,000 tons. I am sending a copy of the current price list to the hon. Member.
§ 9. Mr. GILBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade if the Government still hold stocks of sugar in this country or on the way here, and, if so, will he state approximately what quantity is still held in stock on Government account and what measures his Department are taking for the disposal of the same; and if it is being offered for sale at current market prices?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe stocks of sugar purchased on Government account, arrived or expected to arrive in this country, amount to 304,635 tons. With regard to the disposal of these stocks, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 12th April to the hon. Member for Walthamstow (West).