BRITISH WHEAT IMPORTS

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 244, 12 October 1916, Page 5

BRITISH WHEAT IMPORTS

U-DEI STATE CONTROL. HO PRIVATE PROFIT. BUT—TG XX AUSTRALIA. (Anstralian and N.Z. Cable Association.) _ LOXDOX, October I_* Mr Walter Runciman (President of be Board of Trade), explaining in the louse of Commons the proposals of the (overmflent in connection with the nportation of wheat, said it meant that tie wheat importation of Britain must c tuidertaken largely, if not entirely, nder the control.of the commission. In nticipation of these steps the Governlent had made very large purchases of lustralian wheat and cheese. The Comlonwealth Government in 1915 purhased the Australian wheat crop, but ith granaries full found itself short of mnage to send it to Europe.' Steps had ow been taken to ensure the conveyance f the British Government's : purliascs. As wheat imports into Britain •ould in future be in the hands of the tate, the full benefit of the reduced cost f carriage would accrue to the State, nd not:" to private individuals. .The vstem adopted' by the "Tonnage Comlittee would be continued, with the con-ition-that requisitioned vessels would c required'to provide necessary space at xed. rates. Arrangements had been made a secure' a "regular'supply* inthe United _ngdom during the transition period. A member asked whether the Board of 'rade*. would be empowered to compel hipowners to carry wheat and flour rom America in preference to nonssentials. ... ***."' 3—'Runciman replied that the Governlent had power, and would exercise it. ! Replying to" a~further question" wheher he could prevent - exploitation by etailers, Mr Runciman said the Governlentv would - not bring; wheat to; Great tritain. and allow' others'to. filch the dvaritage from the'consumers.