§ 38. Mr. LEWISasked the President of the Board of Trade what was the lowest price at which German wheat was being offered for sale in this country during the month of August; and what was the sterling equivalent of the price for similar wheat in Berlin at the same time?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe lowest, quotation recorded in the "Corn Trade News" in August for German wheat (ex ship, London) was 24s. 3d. per 496 1bs. on the 3rd of that month; the price of German wheat in Berlin on that date was recorded in "Wirtschaft and Statistik" as 221 Reichmarks per 1,000 kilogs, the equivalent price in sterling (converted at the rate of exchange on 3rd August) being 67s. 4d. per 496 1bs.
§ Mr. LEWISCan my right hon. Friend say whether, in order to deal with that situation, the Government propose to rely upon the duty of 2s. a quarter provided by the Ottawa Agreements Bill, or whether they propose to ask Parliament for further powers?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, Sir. I am afraid that the Ottawa Proposals could not affect the price which is charged in Berlin for the wheat which is consumed there.