44. Lieut.-Colonel AUBREY HERBERTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the-Board of Agriculture what steps the Board have taken in order to ensure that there shall be sufficient binder twine available for the coming harvest?
Sir A. BOSCAWENIn accordance with the Government policy of freeing industry from control in every way possible, there has been no control of the output or price of binder twine since the Armistice. The Board have urged manufacturers to provide sufficient stocks to meet the needs of farmers, but have no power to compel them. As the manufacturers alleged that the holding by the Board of stocks amounting to about 2,700 tons was disturbing the market and causing unemployment, the Board have sold for export the bulk of their supplies. It is believed that makers are well able to execute all orders placed with them at the present time, but if farmers delay ordering till shortly before harvest it may be impossible to give delivery in time. The Board have published several notices warning farmers that upon themselves lies the risk of being unable-to purchase their requirements if they do-not place their orders during June.