§ 34 and 42. Mr. WILSON-FOXasked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) how many threshing-machine or engine owners-signed the agreement with the Forage Committee for the hire of engines or balers in the years 1915, 1910, and 1917, respectively, and how many of such agreements are now in existence; whether, having regard to the rise in the cost of wages, repairs, etc., the Army Council would be prepared to reconsider the rental paid under such agreements; (2) whether his attention has been called to the number of sales of threshing tackle by men who feel they can no longer continue in the business owing to the treatment they have received by the Forage Committee working under the War Office; and whether he can take any steps in the interests of agriculture to restore confidence to the trade?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe facts are as follows Seventy-four owners signed agreements with the Forage Department in 1915, 276 in 1916, and 309 in 1917. Of the 659 agreements, 491 still exist. Of the 491 now in existence, only thirty-eight involve provision of labour and full maintenance of plant by the contractor, the balance of engines being hired at a flat rate per week, whereby the War Department is responsible for all repairs and upkeep other than fair wear and tear. These contracts were specifically made for "the duration of the War." As regards question No. 42, I am not aware of the existence of any complaints.