WHEAT FOR BRITAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 October 1916, Page 4

WHEAT FOR BRITAIN.

GOVERNMENT TAKES ACTIO* PURCHASE OF AUSTRALIAN I SUPPLIES. COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSALS. Australian-N.Z, Cable Associatfon, London, Oct. 10, Mr. Runeiman announced the new en* larged commercial department, combining the commercial intelligence and exhibition'branches,of the Board of Trade. The committees investigating the after-the-war position of important industries bad made considerable progress, and he hoped soon to introduce a Bill providing for national organisation for dealing with the new trade and commercial con-1 ditions.

Mr, Hayes Fisher stated that the Gov-' eminent contemplated assisting dis-; abled soldiers and sailors designing .tor emigrate, but it was a question for the local pensions committees. Mr. Runeiman said that since the war the Government had taken more ami more comprehensive measures to maintain the wheat stocks in the United! Kingdom, anil had suggested to the French and Italian Government* at the. end of IWIS that co-operation would be better than competition. They had 1 formed a committee of the three countries, which met daily in London, pur- • chasing for the combined requirements wheat and maize. The grain trade was disinclined to hold more than, minimum; stocks, in view of the possibility Of war' developments releasing the crops in certain countries. It was no longer safe to leave the question to private enterprise, and Cabinet bad decided that It must develop State importation. A Royal Commission had'therefore Seen appointed to secure adequate regulated ■ supplies of wheat and flour, co-operatinj ■ with the Allies' committee. ' , | Received. Oct. 11, 5.5 p.m. London, Oct. 10. 1 In the House of Commons Mr. Runciman stated that meat and wheat importations to Britain must be upder-' taken largely, if not entirely, under tho. Commission's control, and in anticipation of these steps the Government bad made very large purchases of Australian wheat. The Commonwealth Government in mi.", purchased Australian wheat, but with their granaries full they foundthemselves short of tonnage to Europe, Steps were now being, taken to ensure the conveyance of all the British Government's purchases. As the wheat imports to Britain in future will be in the State's bands, the full benefit of the reduced carriage* and cost .will accrue to the State, and not to private individuals. The system adopted by the Tonnage Committee will be continued, with a conthat requisitioned vessels will be required to provide the necessary space at fixed rates. Arrangements have been made to secure a regular supply for the United Kingdom during the transition period. Mr. W. Thome asked whether the Board of Trade was empowered to compel shipowners to carry wheat and flour from America in preference to nonessentials. Mr. Runeiman replied that they had the power and exercised it. ■Mr, Runeiman, replying to a question whether the Government would prevent exploitation by retailers, said the Government would not bring wheat hither and allow others to filch the advantage from the consumers. Official: The terms and order of reference of the Royal Commission provide ' for inquiring into the supply, and to purchase, sell; and control of wheat and flour on behalf of the Government, and generally to take such stepi as may seem desirable for •maintaining the supply. Times Service. Received Oct. 11, 8 p.m. London, Oct. It. The Times, in a leader on the. Wheal Commission, savs the Government has acted wisely, and intends to avoid the. dangerous depletion of wheat reserve?. The trade is holding the smallest stocks, because it is anticipating the possible release of Russian and Roumanian stocks. Melbourne, Oct. 10. Mr. Hughes has announced that th# British Government lias agreed to purchase half a million tons of wheat, on terms which are entirely satisfactory. It is learned unofficially that the amount to be paid will be a little under four million sterling.