§ 42. Mr. LUNDONasked whether any potatoes were purchased in Ireland since 1st October on behalf of the War Departments of Great Britain, and, if so, how much; and what price was allowed to the agents who carried through the purchase?
§ Mr. FORSTERThree thousand nine hundred tons of potatoes have been purchased by the War Department in Ireland since 1st October. The merchants add 14s. per ton to the declared price paid to the producer to cover the cost of collecting, storing, sorting, bagging, and other expenses and to allow a margin for profit.
§ Mr. LUNDONAre the War Office at this moment, through their agents, purchasing potatoes in Ireland?
§ Mr. FORSTERIn view of the shortage we are not purchasing any more potatoes than we can help, and we quite understand the difficulties of the position.