§ 83. Mr. LAMBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there exists a monopoly in the supply of potash fertilisers which has prevented a reduction in price as compared with other fertilisers; and if he can take any steps to modify such monopoly and to ensure the supply of potash to agriculturists at a reasonable price?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. W. R. Smith)An agreement was reached some years ago between the French and German interests which control the great bulk of the supplies, and prices in this country have risen somewhat since that time. I regret that there does not appear to be any action that I can usefully take in the matter at present.
§ Mr. LAMBERTDo the Board of Trade intend to take any action in the near future on this rather important question?
§ Mr. SMITHIt is a difficult subject to deal with when these arrangements are made by those who control such matters.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEHave the Board of Trade considered the development of Empire resources which are known to exist?