§ Mr. FOREMANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to reduce the high prices being charged for clothing, he will state what stock of Australian wool the Government now holds; and on what terms it is being placed on the British market?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI have been asked to answer this question. At the present time the Government hold approximately 900,000 bales of Australian and New Zealand wool in this country, 158,000 bales are in transit, and approximately 1,220,000 bales are held in Australia and New Zealand. The last-mentioned are being consigned to this country as fast as the tonnage available will permit. Government wool is being placed on the market mainly through the London auction sales at a rate which taxes the selling brokers' organisation to the utmost capacity. Supplies to the trade through the auction sales are supplemented by direct issues at2136W the scheduled prices given in answer to a question from the hon. Member for North Hammersmith (Mr. Foreman) on 7th July.