16. Colonel THORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Government have estimated that 20,000 tons of binder twine will be required for the coming harvest; of this quantity the home manufacturers were to spin. 12,000 tons, 3,000 tons of the twine was held in Government hands from last season, and if he is aware that they intend to buy 5,000 tons from America; if he is aware that the estimate of 20,000 tons being required is proved to be on an incorrect basis, and that there is a large quantity of binder twine in the hands of the farmers and dealers left over from last season, and if he is aware that the firms of R. Hood Hagie and Sons, Limited, Willington Quay, and Craven and Speeding Brothers, Sunderland, employ over 1,500 women when working normally; that during the past three months a number of the women have been paid off, and that the firms in question contemplate paying off more; if he is aware that all the hemp rope makers in this country can make all the binder twine required for home purposes, and if he will take action in the matter?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)The figure of 20,000 tons was mentioned as indicating the possible consumption of binder twine for the 1919 harvest, but it does not seem practicable for anyone to forecast requirements with any exactitude. The Board have no intention of buying binder twine from America, and they have already sold for export 2,000 tons out of the 3,000 tons carried over from last season. They have no definite information on the last part of the question, but a Press notice is being issued, urging farmers to place orders without further delay, which more than anything else will contribute to diminish unemployment in this trade.
Colonel THORNEDo I understand from that answer that there is no intention at all of buying the 5,000 tons mentioned in the question? Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a few days ago an answer was given to a question that the Government had no intention of allowing any to be imported from America?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe question asked on that occasion was whether the Board was going to import any. I believe a small importation is being allowed—something like 2,000 tons—but that is not under the Board.