HC Deb 24 July 1916 vol 84 cc1330-1
81. Mr. P. WHITE

asked the Secretary to the Treasury when he hopes to have the Central Committee dealing with the purchase of this year's wool clip in working order; and whether he will state if merchants who bought this year's clip before the War Office signified any intention of commandeering this year's supply will be allowed cost price if clearly proved?

Mr. FORSTER

The first meeting of the Central Advisory Committee for Ireland met in Dublin on the 20th instant. In regard to the second part of the question, wool of the 1916 clip bought, paid for, and delivered before the date of the Order will be licensed for sale or purchased at the market prices ruling before 8th June.

Mr. WHITE

Can the hon. Gentleman say who are the members of the Central Advisory Committee in Dublin?

Mr. FORSTER

I am afraid I cannot give the names at the moment. They will be published shortly.

Mr. WHITE

Has the hon. Gentleman selected the names?

Mr. FORSTER

They were selected rather late. The representatives of the agricultural community were appoimted on the recommendation of the Board of Agriculture.

Mr. BYRNE

Does it not consist of fourteen members, eleven of whom are from Yorkshire and three from Ireland?

Mr. WHITE

Has the hon. Gentleman kept his promise to put upon the Advisory Committee those connected with agriculture in Ireland?

Mr. FORSTER

I hope, when the names are published, the hon. Gentleman will see that that promise has been kept.