HC Deb 14 March 1916 vol 80 cc1889-90
81. Mr. G. TERRELL

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he can state the annual cost of the weekly publication issued by the Board of Market Prices; and whether, in the interests of national economy, it is proposed to discontinue this, issue during the War?

Mr. ACLAND

The cost of the Return in 1915 was about £4,000. It is valued and widely used by farmers, and the official prices it contains are of considerable value to the War Office and other Departments, chiefly in connection with purchases which they have had to make during the War. As the Returns fill a most useful war pur- pose it is not proposed to discontinue their publication.

Mr. TERRELL

Does the cost the right hon. Gentleman has given include the cost of pre-postage?

Mr. ACLAND

Not if postage is free.