§ 63. Sir J. D. REESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether His Majesty's Government is considering the propriety of stopping the export of all artificial manures from this country and of reducing the price at which sulphate of ammonia is supplied to farmers from £14 10s. to some figure nearer the normal price of £10 10s. per ton?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Acland)The export of all artificial manures is prohibited, and at the present time no licences are being issued except for certain quantities of sulphate of ammonia in excess of calculated home requirements. The question of further restriction is under consideration.
Captain BATHURSTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that owing to the extreme costliness of nitrogenous manures a great many farmers are abandoning the idea of sowing cereal crops this spring?
§ Mr. ACLANDI believe that that is so, and, if I may say so, I think it is rather unwise of the farmers, because the high prices they are getting and likely to get for their produce will justify the application of nitrogenous manures even at their present price.
§ Mr. STANIERWill the right hon. Gentleman think seriously over this matter, bearing in mind that the President of the Board of Agriculture has recommended the use of these manures?
§ Mr. ACLANDIt is not an easy thing to fix maximum prices. With regard to prohibiting exports, that is a very serious matter for consideration.
§ Colonel LOCKWOODAt what price can this sulphate be supplied?
§ Mr. ACLANDAs I say, we have not fixed prices. It is not an easy thing to fix prices. The price now being quoted is £16 15s. a ton.