§ Mr. FITZPATRICKasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that inconvenience and loss is caused to Irish farmers through the delay on the part of the Government in paying for hay purchased by the military authorities; and if he will see that prompt payment will be made so that farmers may be in a position to meet their financial calls?
§ Mr. FORSTERArrangements already exist for deliveries of hay to be promptly paid for, and I am not aware of any cases where delay has taken place. If my hon. Friend would furnish me particulars of any specific cases, I will have full inquiries made.
§ Mr. TURTONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whereas farmers are compelled to sell their hay either to the War Office or to private consumers at the price fixed by the Government, namely, £5 10s. per ton, whether he is aware that in certain places the same hay is sold retail at the price of 1s. 3d. per stone, equivalent to £10 a ton, or a profit of 92 per cent.; and what steps, if any, he is prepared to take in the matter?
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§ Mr. FORSTERI am not aware that hay is being retailed at the price mentioned, or in fact at any price in excess of that laid down in the Order issued under the Defence of the Realm Regulations. As soon as any specific contraventions are brought to the notice of the Department they will be investigated with a view to legal proceedings. Perhaps my hon. Friend will furnish me with precise particulars of the case which he has in mind.