14. Colonel BATHURSTasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether any modifications have been 610 made, or are about to be made, with regard to the Orders relating to the sale or use of hay, oat straw, and wheat straw?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this. Purchasing officers, under Clause 4 of the Army Council Order dated May 9th, 1917, possess wide discretionary powers and have been instructed to authorise the use by farmers of consumable wheat straw wherever they are satisfied that all damaged or otherwise inferior bedding straw has been absorbed; and in the case of straw for strawberry growers I understand that all needs are being met. Any difficulties caused by the Order in question are being promptly and sympathetically dealt with. With regard to hay restrictions, I do not think that any change of policy is called for—at any rate, at present.