§ 15. Sir THOMAS ESMONDEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what arrangements have been made for the purchase of the Irish wool clip this year; whether the system set up last year is to continue; if there is to be any revision of the scale of prices paid to the Irish farmers for their wool; and if they will be paid the same prices as farmers in Great Britain?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)It is proposed to continue the present system of purchase this year. The scale of prices is being reconsidered, and the Irish prices will be on the same basis as those for Great Britain.
§ Mr. DONOVANCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is a fact that there is considerable dissatisfaction existing in regard to the constitution of this Committee and the carrying out of this scheme for this wool purchase; whether it is a fact that there is general dissatisfaction existing in regard to the working of the scheme; whether it is a fact that representative suggestions and views put forward by a large body of Irish Members were flouted and ignored; what steps he proposes to take this year to put this Committee on a popular and representative basis, and what steps he proposes—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member has already asked five questions.
§ Mr. FORSTERMy answer to all five is in the negative.