§ 75. Major EDWARD WOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the difficulties experienced and loss sustained by farmers owing to the partial breakdown of the arrangements officially made for threshing; and whether valid claims of this description will be entertained by the Defence of the Realm (Losses) Royal Commission?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe Food Production Department organised threshing in an endeavour to help farmers. We are aware that difficulties have arisen in certain districts, and we have just issued a circular letter to Agricultural Executive Committees with suggestions for improved organisation. As regards the latter part of the question, compensation is payable only in case of loss incurred in consequence of the exercise of the powers of the Agricultural Executive Committees under the Defence of the Realm Regulations. No such powers were exercised in connection with the threshing arrangements.