BRITISH AFFAIRS

Southland Times, Issue 18816, 8 May 1920, Page 5

BRITISH AFFAIRS

THE FOOD SITUATION; NO PROSPECT OF EARLY IMPROVEMENT. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Imperial News Service.) * LONDON, May .6. (Receiver! May 7, 7.50 pin.) In the House of Commons, the Food Minister, Mr C. A. McCurdy, said 'it ought to be realised that last year's expectations of a fall in prices were not founded on a solid basis, and ought entirely to be discarded. He was unable to understand bow business men and statesmen could take such an optimistic view of the progress of the reconstruction of a war-devastated world. There was no prospect of an immediate improvement either in supplies or in the price of the sugar required for Great Britain. The world production wan down 3,500,000 tons. The rigid rationing of Great Britain had resulted in an economised consumption of sugar by 700,000 tons, but this was exactly counterbalanced by increased consumption in the United States. Wheat prices were the most important factor in determining wages all over the world. The world's wheat crops would be reduced during the forthcoming twelve months.- The United States’ - exportation would be 4,000,000 tone less than in the current cereal year. India was the only < wheat-producing country where an increase was foreshadowed, but the 1,500,000 tons increase was not available to any extent for exportation. Mr McCurdy dwelt on the likelihood of a rise in prices in importing countries, which would be reflected in the price of every other commodity. He estimated that the mjppbes of butter for Great Britain in 1920 would be 100,000 tons compared with 200,000 before the war. This year’s British butter production was stall below the prewar rate. Hie Iririi supply would also largely fafl. There were no clear signs to enable him to give an estimate when the world shortage was likely to materially improve.

THE FOOD MINISTRY. PERMANENT RATIONING PROPOSED. LONDON, May 6. The Consumers’ Council recommends the creation of the Ministry of Food as a permanent department, with power to control the exports and imports of food and raw material, and thus secure international cooperation in purchasing and rationing; and that the Board of Trade should cease dealing in foodstuffs, the Ministry also to absorb the Wheat and Sugar Commissions, and to control shipping and freight on food materials.

EXCESS PrtOFlfs TAX

THE CHANCELLOR’S ALTERNATIVES.

(Imperial News Service.) LONDON, May 6. (Received Maty 7, 9.45 pjn.) At a meeting of the Federation of British Industries the report of the joint deputation with the Association of Chambers of Commerce to Mr Chamberlain protesting against the 60 per cent, excess profits tax was presented. The report said the Chancellor was determined to make the greatest inroads possible on the country's indebtedness during the anticipated period of prosperity. The Chancellor submitted alternative proposals, namely, the retention of the 60 per cent, profits tax; secondly, a flat rate tax of ninety pence in the pound on profits to produce an equal amount; thirdly, a levy on War wealth, the last-named to be in addition to some levy bn mna profits. Ibe meeting, after discussion, referred the matter to the Federation’s taxation committee, which later recommended the Federation to consider the point in view of the unexpectedly high proposed flat rate. COMPANY REGISTRATION. A PHENOMENAL BOOM. LONDON, May «. During January, February and March 3.722 companies were registered in England with an aggregate nominal capital of £280,000,000. The actual capital issue in January, February, March and April aggregated £192,811,487. The significance of these figures is shown by a comparison, .with the first quarter of 1910, when the rubber boom was at its height, 1753 companies being registered with a capital of £53,500, 000. IRREGULAR MAILS. AN AUSTRALIAN COMPLAINT. LONDON, May 6. (Received May 8, 12.5 ajn.) In reference to Australian cables concerning the irregular arrival of English mails, the postal authorities informed the Australian Press Association that it was Lmpoaoble to effect an improvement until there was a better service of steamers by the Sue* route. The authorities, before despatching mails, carefully consider the sailings by all routea, including South Africa and Panama, but the pre-war mail route generally offers the quickest service. It is rarely worth while to utilise New Zealand-Panama vessels for Australian mails. -

NATIONAL LIBERAL CLUB. COMMITTEE CAPTURED BY ASQUTTH3ANS. LONDON, May 6. The election of the ootnmrUee of the National Liberal Club hes resulted in the Asqoitfaians capturing all 32 seats. MURDER OF MOWS VETERAN. TWO MEN SENTENCED TO DEATH. LONDON, May 5. At the trial of Fraser and Rollins, charged with murder, their two women associates gave King’s evidence. Fraser’s associate gave evidence that the men planned that abe should entice Senior into a park. They would follow and blackmail him. Roilirw took Senior by the throat, and Fraser hammered his face with his fiats and a revolver. Tbe woman added that Fraser had been living on her earnings for 38 months. Fraser and Rollins were sentenced to death. Lord Sands has fixed the executions for May 26. When the death sentence was pronounced Fraser and Rollins shook bands warmly, and smiled to friends in tbe court. Senior was a Moos veteran, who was found robbed and mutilated in Queen’s Park, Glasgow, on February 4. Fraser is an ex-Australian soldier, and Rollins an Irishman, and tbe pair, with their, female companions, fled to Ireland, ■ where they were found living in a cave at the foot of a cliff in a lonely spot four miles from Belfast. P. AND 0. BANK. LONDON, May 5. Tiie P. and O. Banking Corporation is issuing 280,000 £lO shares at half-a crown premium, giving P. and O. Company’s stockbrokers preference in allotment.