§ Mr. KEATINGasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to ensure that the special requirements of Ireland as regards the price of grain shall be properly dealt with by the Wheat Commission?
§ Mr. PRETYMANI have no doubt that the needs of Ireland will be duly considered by the Wheat Commission, to whom I am transmitting a copy of this question and answer.
§ Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that wheat rose 3s. a quarter at Nottingham and Northampton last week; and whether he has anything further to announce in connection with food prices?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThe "Gazette" average price for British wheat was 70s. 9d. last week and 69s. 8d. in the previous week. My hon. Friend will be aware that local variations in prices of agricultural produce do not always exactly follow general price movements, and may be due to variations in the quality of the supplies placed on sale. Two of the Orders-announced last week were made yesterday, and the preparation of others is proceeding as rapidly as possible.
§ Mr. GLANVILLEasked what was the price of wheat in this country at the outbreak of the War; what was the average price paid during the year 1915; and what is the average price during the present year?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe following statement shows the price per Imperial quarter (480 lbs.) of British and imported wheat at the end of July, 1914; and the average price during 1915 and during the first ten months of 1916: