1920.] 



Questions in Parliament. 



395 



figure after considering a large body of evidence as to the actual cost 

 of production in 1918, and then applying to its estimate of the average 

 cost in that year the increase which the evidence indicated to have 

 taken place between 191 8 and 1919, disregarding any variation in rent. 

 The Report of the Commission did not give detailed figures distinguish- 

 ing the various items in the cost of production, such as labour, but it 

 referred to the fact that wages had advanced in most parts of the country 

 beyond the minimum rate of 365. 6<i., and that the hours in respect of 

 which the minimum rates were payable had been reduced. (10 th 

 June, 1920.) 



In reply to a question by Mr. Lane-Fox, the Parliamentary Secretary 

 to the Ministry stated that the average (c.i.f.) price of wheat imported 

 into this country has been as follows : — 



s. d. 



1917 .. .. .. 91 6 per 480 lb. 



1918 . . . . . . 100 10 ,, ,, 



1919 . . . . . . 92 I ,, ,, ,, 



1920 (Jan. — May) .. 95 o ,, ,, ,, 



The corresponding price for 191 6 cannot be given, as control did 

 not commence until nth October, 191 6. 



The price of British wheat was subject to no control until i6th April, 

 191 7, when a maximum price of 785. per qr. of 480 lb. v/as fixed for wheat 

 harvested in 191 6. On 14th August, 191 7, the following maximum 

 prices were fixed for wheat harvested in 191 7 : — 



Where delivery was to be made before ist December, 191 7, 

 73s. 6d. per qr. of 504 lb. (70s. per 480 lb.). 



Where delivery was to be made in December, 191 7, or January, 

 1 91 8, 745. 6d. per qr. of 504 lb. (705. 11 d. per 480 lb.). 



Where delivery was to be made in February or March, 191 8, 

 755. 6d. per qr. of 504 lb. (71s. 11 d. per 480 lb.). 



Where delivery was to be made in April or May, 191 8, 765. gd. 

 per qr. of 504 lb. (73s. id. per 480 lb.). 



Where delivery was to be made on or after ist June, 191 8, 775. gd. 

 per qr. of 504 lb. (745. id. per 480 lb.). 



On 31st August, 1 91 8, the following maximum prices were fixed 

 for wheat harvested in 191 8 : — 



Where sale was made before ist January, 191 9, j^s. 6d. per qr. 

 of 504 lb. (71 s. 11^^. per 480 lb.). 



Where sale was made in January, Februar\% or INIarch, 191 9, 

 76s. per qr. of 504 lb. (72s. ^d. per 480 lb.). 



Where sale was made on or after ist April, 191 9. yC}s. 6d. per qr. 

 of 304 lb. (72s. I Off. per 4S0 lb.). 



There was no maximum price for wheat harvested in 1919, but 

 millers were informed by the Food Controller that the prices to be paid 

 by them should not exceed an average of 765. 6d. per qr. of 504 lb. 

 (72s. lo^f. per 480 lb.) for wheat purchased on rail at producer's station, 

 or 775. per qr. of 504 lb. (735. 4^/. per 480 lb.) for wheat delivered 

 into mill. (14th June, 1920.) 



