§ 24. Sir RICHARD COOPERasked the President of the Board of Agriculture what price is paid to the farmer for straw; and what is the price paid by the consumer in the county of Huntingdon?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The maximum prices payable to the producer at the stack are 75s. per ton for oat straw, and 60s. for wheat straw. The cost to the consumer depends on the services necessary to delivery, but the wholesale dealer is limited to 5s. per ton, and the distributing dealer to 6s. per ton to cover establishment charges and profit.
§ Sir R. COOPERIs it not a fact that the Government is making an enormous profit out of the difference between what is paid to the farmer and what the consumer pays?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo, Sir. That is not so at all.
§ Sir R. COOPERIs it not a fact that in August last wheat straw near Huntingdon—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member should give notice of that question.