§ 79. Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the Minister of Agriculture why ground basic slag, which was sold during the period of January to May, 1920, at 84s. per ton, is now being retailed at 127s. 6d. per ton; why the Ministry of Agriculture still exercises control over the selling price; and whether he will state the reasons prohibiting the export of this fertiliser except under licence?
The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir A. Boscawen)The prices for basic slag quoted by the hon. and gallant Member are maximum prices, which the manufacturers, by agreement with the Ministry, bound themselves not to exceed. The higher price was sanctioned by the Ministry in view of the fact that the costs of production and transport had increased considerably, and that there was every reason to believe that without such an agreement the price would go still higher. The agreement expires on the 31st May, 1921, and will not be renewed. There is nothing to prevent manufacturers and merchants from selling at less than the maximum prices, and the Ministry is informed that some sales are being effected at less than the maximum prices. The Ministry exercises no control over the selling prices beyond seeing that no manufacturer, who is a party to the agreement referred to, exceeds the prices he has agreed to observe. The export of this fertiliser is prohibited except under licence, so as to ensure that the United Kingdom shall not be denuded of the higher grades, the supply of which is altogether insufficient to meet the home demand.
§ Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSMay I ask my right hon. Friend—whom I congratulate on his return to the House—if we may take it that whatever control exists will absolutely cease on the date 1113 that he indicates, and that there is no intention on the part of his Department to continue this control?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThere is now no control. It is only a voluntary agreement concluded between the trade and the Ministry. This agreement expires, as I have said, on the 31st May. I am not prepared to say that another agreement might not be made, but it is a purely voluntary matter.
§ Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSBefore any other agreement is made, will it be submitted to the House?
Sir A. BOSCAWENNo, I do not think so. The agreement is made by the Ministry with the trade in the interest of agriculture at home. It is a purely voluntary arrangement, and I see no reason to consult the House.
§ Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSIs not that control?
§ Mr. GARDINERIs not this class of basic slag being sold at prices varying as much as 60s. to 70s. a ton for the same article, and will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to the charges which must be made by some parties?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI think that depends probably on the different grades, but if the hon. Member will put before me specific cases I will have them inquired into.
§ Mr. HAILWOODIs the right hon Gentleman aware that some manufacturers of basic slag on the banks of canals in Lancashire strongly object to being prohibited from exporting?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThey may do, but it is in the interest of the country, as was affirmed by this House, which passed an Act last Session, that the export should be prohibited, except under licence.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWhy does not the purchaser go to the cheapest seller?