§ 94. Mr. CAUTLEYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he will state the estimated yearly cost of carrying out the provisions of Section 4 of the Agricultural Bill which will be incurred by the Ministry of Agriculture; and, if necessary, will he have such an estimate at once prepared?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThis matter is now engaging the attention of the Ministry, but no estimate can yet be given as to the annual cost of administering the provisions of Section 4 of the Agricultural Bill. I may add, however, that it is not anticipated that there will be any increase in the expenditure at present incurred in connection with the Ministry's powers of control under the Defence of the Realm Regulations and the Corn Production (Amendment) Act, 1918.
§ 95. Mr. CAUTLEYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if he will state how many Government and local officials it is estimated by his Department will be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Agriculture Bill relating to the making, verification, and payment of claims in respect of the guaranteed prices of cereals; and what is the estimated amount of their yearly salaries?
Sir A. BOSCAWENNo final decision has yet been arrived at as to the extent to which it may be necessary to check the accuracy of claims that may be made by farmers if and when the guaranteed minimum prices under the Agriculture Bill become operative. I am, therefore, not in a position to give the information desired by my hon. Friend.