§ 80. Mr. ASHLEYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that practically all baling presses in the country have been requisitioned by the military authorities that in numerous cases they have been kept lying idle and their use for civil requirements refused unless the straw is sold to the War Office at less than its local 1889 market value; and that instances have occurred of the use of a baling press having been stopped in the middle of a day's threshing, to the loss and inconvenience of farmers and interference with them in maintaining and increasing homegrown produce and making the most of the limited labour now available; and whether he will represent to the Forage Committee of the War Office that when baling presses are not required for military purposes they should give instructions that civilians may use them?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Acland)I understand that instructions have been given by the military authorities which have the effect of restricting the use of all steam baling presses to military requirements. I am assured that their number is no more than is absolutely necessary for the military work required to be done. The Board have no knowledge that balers are being kept idle, or that their use for civil requirements is refused except on the condition named. On the contrary, it is an instruction to Army purchasing officers that balers when not required may be lent to farmers for baling straw. If the hon. Member has particulars of any specific cases and will forward them to me, I will endeavour to get them investigated. But he must bear in mind that no presses are available for the pressing of straw for private sale, only for the pressing of straw for the farmers' own use.
§ Mr. ASHLEYIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I shall raise the question on the Report stage of the Army Vote.