§ 84. Mr. CLANCYasked the Secretary of State for War whether, before a price or prices for wool of the 1916 clip are fixed, the Army Council will take into consideration the fact that, if the prices so fixed are lower than last year's prices, such persons as have last year's clip to sell will be unable to sell except at a serious loss, which will affect wool merchants and many farmers alike; whether adequate inquiry will be made as to the value of this year's clip before any conclusion is arrived at; and whether the price will be fixed lower than the prevailing figure?
97. Mr. THORNEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will explain why it is proposed to pay 30 per cent, above the 1914 prices for this year's wool clip; whether in fixing the price regard has been had to the exceptional treatment accorded to farmers as compared with other employers of labour in the exemption both of themselves and of their employes from military service, 37 and the freedom of their profits from special war taxation; and whether, if the present proposal is carried out, he will take steps for the application of the Excess Profits Tax to profits derived from farming above those of the years precedent to the War?
§ Mr. FORSTERAs I said in answer to a question recently, I should prefer not to answer questions as to the proposed price of wool till after I have seen the deputation on Wednesday next, but I can assure my hon. Friends that all relevant considerations have been or will be taken into account.
§ Mr. JOYCEMay I ask if Irish wool merchants over here from Ireland can attend the deputation, or will he receive them by themselves?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe details of the deputation are left in the hands of the Central Chamber of Agriculture. If the representatives of any considerable body wish to be present at the deputation, perhaps they would confer with the secretary of the Central Chamber.
§ Sir J. SPEARMay I ask if it is not the fact that farmers have contributed a larger sum to the expenses of the Red Cross than any others in the country?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Gentleman must give notice of that.