1.—17.

2

REPORTS.

I have the honour to report that at the first meeting of the Wheat Industry Committee, held to-day, the Committee unanimously resolved that the proceedings of the Committee on the taking of evidence be open to accredited representatives of the press. 14th August, 1929. C. A. Wilkinson, Chairman.

I have the honour to report that the Select Committee appointed to examine matters relating to the wheat industry held eighteen meetings and examined sixty witnesses. The items of the order of reference on which the Committee was instructed to report to the House, and the conclusions of the Committee thereon, are as follow : — (1) The advantages from a national stand-point of the policy of the Dominion being self-supporting as far as its wheat requirements are concerned. The Committee is unanimously of opinion that the Dominion should be self-supporting so far as its wheat requirements are concerned. (2) Whether the wheat-growers of the Dominion require protection or State assistance to enable them to market their product in competition ivith the importations from other countries. The Committee is unanimously of opinion that the wheat-growers of the Dominion should have some form of protection. (3) What form of protection or State assistance (if any) would effect that object without unduly adding to the cost of wheat-flour bread, fowl-wheat, and wheat-offal to the users. The Committee recommends that the present sliding scale of duties affecting wheat and flour, as provided under the Customs Amendment Act, 1927, be continued, but that bran and pollard be admitted to the Dominion free of duty. (4) Whether protection (if any) is required for the flour-milling industry. The answer to this question is covered by the answers to the preceding questions, but the Committee unanimously recommends that the Department of Industries and Commerce be asked to investigate the operations of the milling industry with the object of ascertaining whether or not the cost of the production of flour can be reduced. (5) Whether the costs of baking and distribution of bread to consumers are reasonable or otherwise. The Committee unanimously recommends that, in view of the disparity in the cost of baking and distribution of bread in various centres, the Department of Industries and Commerce be instructed to investigate the cost of baking and distribution of bread. Ist November, 1929. C. A. Wilkinson, Chairman.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that at its final meeting held on Wednesday, the 6th November, 1929, the following resolution was passed : That this Committee records its cordial appreciation of the courtesy and ability with which the Chairman, Mr. C. A. Wilkinson, has presided over the meetings of the Committee, and directs that this resolution be recorded in the minutes and be reported to the House. David Jones, 7th November, 1929. Member of the Committee. •

Spectal Report. I have the honour to report that at its final meeting the Wheat Industry Committee expressed its appreciation of the services of the Clerk, Mr. Organ, and directed that this resolution be recorded in the minutes and reported to the House. 7th November, 1929. C. A. Wilkinson, Chairman.