§ Mr. CAUTLEYasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the Government have resold at a profit part of the 1916 clip of wool which they requisitioned from the farmers at the Government's own price; if so, will he state the amount of wool so sold at a profit, the rate per pound, and the total amount of the profit so obtained; and will he give the grounds of his justification for the State so making a profit at the expense of the individual farmer?
§ Mr. FORSTERApproximately 15 per cent, of the British clip has been sold for non-military purposes at market prices. Until the first year's accounts are completed it is impossible to say what was the average price per pound realised by such sales or what was the total profit obtained. As regards the last part of the question, I would point out to my hon. Friend that the purchase of the clip as a whole was necessary in order to conserve supplies for military purposes.