§ 16. Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYasked the Secretary of State for War 222 whether full information will be distributed to farmers as to the arrangements made by the War Office to carry on the business of the Forage Department which ceases to exist at the end of the present month; what steps will be taken for the removal of forage purchased by the extinct Department but not yet removed; whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. C. W. Parker, of Peakes, Bradwell-on-Sea, from whom 50 tons of straw was purchased on the 6th January, 1919; whether this straw is still, after 18 months, obstructing the farmyard of the vendor, hindering his operations and the production and storage of home-grown food; and whether this straw will be removed in time to make room for the coming harvest?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSON (Parliamentary Secretary, War Office)For some months past the baling and removal of forage has been entrusted to General Officers Commanding the various military commands, who have been instructed to bale and remove stacks as far as possible, but the work has been much hampered by the lack of transport facilities. My attention had not previously been drawn to the straw purchased from Mr. Parker, but I would point out that, in accordance with the usual practice, he is being paid interest at 5 per cent. on whatever portion of the estimated purchase price has remained unpaid, together with a further sum, amounting to 10 per cent. of the full estimated purchase price, to cover rental, loss in weight, etc.
§ Sir F. FLANNERYWill my hon. Friend state how the payment of interest to the farmer in question will assist the production of food when the man's stackyard is being burdened for eighteen months with material belonging to the War Office, which should have been removed?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo doubt the hon. Gentleman's answer is satisfactory to Mr. Parker. in that he gets 5 per cent.; but how is that satisfactory to the taxpayer, who has to pay the 5 per cent. on materials that should have been removed years ago?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am afraid I cannot decide the question as to satisfaction or dissatisfaction. As a matter of fact we are endeavouring to remove this forage, but it, has been difficult, as 223 transport has been short. The Forage Department is being disbanded and the officers are doing their best.
§ Sir F. FLANNERYWill the right hon. Gentleman see that this straw, which is obstructing the farmyard, is removed?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI will have further inquiries made.