§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Queensland Government, in order to resist the invasion of the Chicago meat companies, have acquired 1,410 square miles on the Gulf of Carpentaria as a State cattle station, 1,285 square miles on the Gilbert River, 460 square miles at Dillalah, and in all are contemplating the organisation of 31,000 square miles for this purpose; whether he is prepared to recognise that, in view of the existing meat famine and its probable continuance to a considerable degree for several years after the War, every effort must be made to extend sources of supply; whether he is aware that the need in Queensland is to improve the character of the herds and rear a better class of beef-producing animals; and whether he is prepared to cable out to Mr. Ryan, the Premier of Queensland, offering to render every Imperial assistance in the development of the Colonial Government's scheme and to arrange, if required, for the shipment of a sufficient number of the valuable pedigree hulls now mostly sent to Argentina as shall enable the Queensland Government to carry out an extensive scheme for the improvement of their stock?
Mr. ROBERTSThe Board of Trade have received no request for assistance from the Queensland Government, but should they do so they will give it sympathetic consideration.