§ 72. Colonel DAYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a ring of London provision brokers are controlling practically the whole of the imports of Australian butter and cheese; and whether, in view of the higher prices resulting there from, the Government propose to take power to deal with the matter?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE(Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)I can find no information to warrant the suggestion contained in the first part of the question. Australian butter and cheese are brought here on a consignment basis to be sold on account of producers 1858 by agents acting under instructions from the other side. The Overseas Farmers' Co-operative Marketing Association sell about 25 per cent. of the Australian output and sell to anybody. I understand also that a producers' board is being set up in Australia., with representatives in London, to supervise marketing arrangements.