§ 102. Lieutenant-Colonel W. GUINNESSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the price of binder-twine has greatly risen since the fixed price of 115s. was removed; and whether, in view of the difficulty thus caused to agriculturists, he will take steps to have the price again controlled?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThis question has been carefully considered, and it is felt that it would not be in the agricultural interest to control the price of binder-twine owing to the drop which has taken place in the price of hemp during the past four months. Competition is likely to result in a better price to farmers than would be obtained if the price were regulated on the basis of the average cost of production. The price ruling in the Spring and Summer of 1918 was 120s., not 115s.