§ 24. Sir FREDRIC WISEasked the Prime Minister the approximate amount of wool imported to Great Britain from Australia in the last six months; and how-does this compare with the six months of the previous period?
Mr. ALEXANDERI have been asked to reply. The quantity of raw wool registered as imported into the United Kingdom, consigned from Australia, during the six months ended March, 1924, was 1,096,493 centals of 100 pounds. During the six months ended March, 1923, the quantity so imported was 2,143,496 centals.
§ Sir F. WISECan the hon. Gentleman say whether the delay in the export of wool from Australia to this country has been caused by the monetary situation between London and Melbourne?
Mr. ALEXANDERI cannot say without notice; but the difference in the figures I have given is really due to the fact that last June we received the last consignment of the stocks held up to be disposed of by the Wool Realisation Committee.
§ Sir F. WISEHas the hon. Gentleman looked into the question of the monetary situation between here and Melbourne?
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELIs it not a fact that it was held up through the shortage in the exchange between the two countries, and should not the President of the Board of Trade or the Parliamentary Secretary look into the matter?
Mr. ALEXANDERI will certainly look into it, and into any point which the hon. Member brings to my notice.