HC Deb 25 May 1916 vol 82 cc2305-6W
Mr. MURPHY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the high rates of freight on maize; whether, in view of the steadily rising price of meat, owing largely to the price of feeding-stuffs, of which maize is one of the most important, the stipulation imposed on British shipowners by the Carriage of Foodstuffs Committee of the Admiralty, when directing them to load grain, that they are required to carry a minimum of 75 per cent. of wheat, will be removed; and, if so, how soon will this be done?

Mr. PRETYMAN

The Requisitioning (Carriage of Foodstuffs) Committee are acquainted with the position in regard to maize. It is obvious, however, that wheat is of even more importance than maize, and I am not prepared to interfere with the arrangements which they are making to secure an adequate supply of wheat.