§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what was the total number of South American sheep and lambs arriving in England and not claimed or purchased by the Government for war purposes between 1st October and 31st December, 1916, whether he is aware that gambling and holding up has taken place with respect to this produce, especially in the stores at Liverpool and Manchester; whether some of the parcels have changed hands several times without a single one being offered to the public for sale; and whether, as it is very easy to detect this business by demanding returns from the refrigerator companies, he will have the matter thoroughly investigated and take steps to punish the offenders?
Captain BATHURSTThe quantity of South American sheep and lambs arriving in England for consumption by the civilian population between 1st October and 31st December, 1916, was:
In reply to the latter parts of the question, the investigation promised to the hon. Member is now in progress.
- 146,000 carcasses of sheep, and
- 132,000 carcasses of lambs.