72. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, under the Defence of the Realm Act., the acreage under hops has been reduced from about 36,000 to about 16,000 acres; what is the price at which English hops of the 1919 crop are now being sold, and what is the price at which imported foreign hops of similar quality are being sold in this country; and whether, in view of these figures, the Government contemplate any special legislation to protect the cultivation of hops in this country?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe area under hops was reduced under the Defence of the Realm Act from 31,352 acres in 1916 to 15,666 acres in 1918. The area this year is 16,748 acres. Trading in English hops of the 1919 crop has not yet commenced, and the Hop Control Committee have no information as to the prices at which imported hops are being sold in this country. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to Section 9 (1) (d) of the Imports and Exports Regulation Bill which is at present before the House.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTHas the hon. Gentleman no information whatever about the sale of hops of the 1919 crop?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI am aware that an average price is being paid by the Hop Control Committee of £18 5s. a cwt. They are now busy grading the crop, and I cannot say at what price any quality is being sold.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that English hops of the 1919 crop are being sold at a considerably lower price than imported hops?