§ MR. COURTHOPE (Sussex, Rye)To ask the President of the Board, of Trade whether Continental hops are now being offered on forward contract to be delivered in London in October next at 28s. 6d. per cwt.; and whether such hops can be dealt with in England without being subject to the provisions of the Hop (Prevention of Frauds) Act, 1866.
(Answered by Mr. Churchill.) It is possible that Continental hops of old stock or of the lowest grade of 1908 crop may have been offered at the price stated. I am informed, however, that current quotations range from 30s. to 70s. per cwt. without business. I understand that the Select Committee on the Hop Industry were of opinion that it would be impracticable to apply the general provisions of the Act of 1866 to foreign hops without further legislation.