§ 34. Major Sir Ralph Glynasked the Minister of Agriculture what is the standard price for flax grown in the United Kingdom; how does this compare with prices obtained in Northern Ireland and other parts of the British Empire; and how far the price of flax is likely to be affected in favour of the taxpayer if immediate steps are taken to increase supplies from home-grown sources?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to prices paid to the grower. I am advised that recent prices for average quality flax straw have been about £4 10s. to £6 per ton in England and Wales; conditions In Northern Ireland are not similar, as the grower arranges for the production of fibre, the prices obtained for which are generally from 9s. to 11s. 3d. per stone of 14 lbs. I am unaware of any standard price for flax straw in the United Kingdom, or of the prices paid to growers in other parts of the British Empire; and I am unable to express any opinion in regard to the last part of the question.
§ 35. Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is proposed to take any steps forthwith to encourage the growing of flax by farmers throughout Great Britain; whether, in view of the large quantities of flax required for Defence purposes, including over 14,000,000 feet 1702 for hose-pipes for aid-raid precautions, the Government will take steps to control this crop; is he aware that if flax is to be harvested and processing started in July and the following months, the Government should arrange to supply seed and undertake to pay £6 a ton for the crop if of serviceable quality; and, further, if this action is not taken, whether he is satisfied that adequate quantities of foreign retted flax are available?
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. W. S. Morrison)I have been asked to reply. As I stated on 15th March, in reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Norfolk East (Mr. Medlicott) the Inter-Departmental Committee on the Supply of Flax has completed its report. Certain measures have been taken with a view to improving the industry, and the whole position is under consideration, including various factors in the situation to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, such as requirements of flax for defence purposes and the availability of supplies from home and foreign sources in time of war.
§ Sir Ronald RossWhen considering this question, has my right hon. Friend borne in mind that there is not within the Empire sufficient flax for the needs of factories within the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat is another factor now before us.