§ 28. Mr. RENDALLasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether hay is being commandeered in South Gloucestershire at £3 10s. a ton; whether he is aware that this sum is thought in the district to be less than the cost of production; and what remedy a farmer has if he thinks the price offered for commandeered hay is less than he can obtain elsewhere?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo hay has been, requisitioned from farmers in Gloucestershire, but in one case nearly 8 tons on railway trucks were requisitioned from a dealer. The price offered by the district purchasing officer for this consignment of hay was 77s. 6d. per ton on rail. Purchases are usually made by voluntary arrangements at a price fixed by the local purchasing committee. If the farmer objects to this price his hay can be requisitioned and the price fixed under the provisions of the Army Act by the County Court judge. In view of the disinclination of farmers to use this method, two appeal committees, one for the North and the other for the South of England, have been set up. An agriculturist, a hay merchant, and a senior purchasing officer serve on these committees. There still remains the remedy in the County Court.
§ Mr. LEIF JONESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that similar cases have arisen in Nottinghamshire, where farmers have had to supply hay at a distance of 4½ miles from their farms at 70s. a ton when the market price is £5?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Gentleman ought to give notice of that question. The hon. Member cannot know all about these places.