HC Deb 16 April 1918 vol 105 cc225-6
68. Sir A. SYKES

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what were the duties for which the county farm-produce committees were appointed, and it they still continue to perform those duties; what were the reasons for the compulsory taking over of hay for civil supplies; whether the scheme for civil supplies was submitted to hay-dealers and had their approval, and to county farm-produce committees and had their approval; why the whole of the hay for civil supplies is compulsorily taken out of the hands of producers who have habitually been retailers and placed in the hands of dealers; and why a commission of 5s. per ton is taken for the dealer from the producer who has habitually been a retailer, seeing that the dealer is compulsorily inflicted on the said producer?

Mr. FORSTER

The County Farm Produce Committees were appointed to "facilitate the purchase by the military authorities of farm produce such as forage and vegetables from the farmer," and they still continue to perform those duties. The chief object of the Civil Supply Scheme, which is still in an experimental stage, was to organise the distribution of available supplies when and where wanted by consumers. The scheme has the full support of the hay trade. Up to the present the county farm produce committees in four out of the five English administration areas have approved it and the fifth is to consider it before the end of the month. I understand that this hay is not being taken out of the hands of producers, as suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend, and commission is only collected from producers when they elect to avail themselves of the prices and conditions which dealers are empowered to impose.

Mr. LOUGH

Does that answer mean that the War Office have undertaken the distribution of all fodder and farm produce in question?

Mr. FORSTER

No, Sir. The object of the scheme is to enable the hay, which is not wanted for military consumption to be distributed for civilian consumption through the ordinary trade channels.

Captain WRIGHT

Why may not the farmer himself sell hay to his neighbour and so save the commission of 5s. a ton?

Mr. FORSTER

I must ask for notice of that question.