§ Mr. MOLTENOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention 1587W has been drawn to the fact that on Monday, 16th October, at Mark Lane Corn Market, wheat was quoted for English whites and reds 71s. per quarter, and after his speech on Tuesday, 17th October, to the effect that the Government had decided to control the purchase of all wheat supplies, the price at the same market rose to 74s. on 18th October, and on 25th October to 76s.; and if he can state what steps he proposes to take to bring the price back to the figure it had reached before his announcement was made?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe announcement of the appointment of the Wheat Commission was made in this House on 10th October, a week earlier than the speech with which my hon. Friend connects the rise in wheat prices. I am disposed to think that the conditions which have brought about the rise are precisely those which rendered the appointment of the Commission desirable, and I hope that the efforts of the Commission will be effective in minimising the effect of the rise.