§ Mr. MacVEAGHasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the resentment felt by flax growers in Ulster at the manner in which flax inspectors grade the flax in the markets; whether arrangements will be made to allow farmers to remove from the market any flax which the inspectors do not classify in one of the grades, so that they may be enabled to sell it to the highest bidder; and whether a farmers' referee will be allowed to be nominated to cooperate with the Government referee in the various markets?
§ Sir W. EVANSCertain dissatisfaction on the part of flax growers in Ulster, has been brought to the notice of the Flax Buying Committee, and one matter is receiving consideration. The answers to the second and third parts of the question are in the negative; growers are represented on the Committee which appoints the grades.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that in county Down the flax yield is only about half as much per bushel as last year, that the flax graders are fixing about 25s. per stone as the price for top-grade flax, instead of 35s. as fixed by Government; whether the price the farmers are obtaining for tow is also much below expectations; whether the Government realises that unless some action is taken with regard to prices, and also with regard to the representation of flax 871W growers on the Committee for fixing prices, the farmers will not sow flax next season; whether farmers will be allowed to hold over their raw flax if unscutched; and what action the Government proposes to take in the whole matter?
§ Sir W. EVANSThe Flax Buying Committee are aware of the yield in county Down, which, according to my information, is somewhat higher than is suggested in my hon. Friend's question. The price for top-grade flax is 35s. per stone. The price varies with the grade, in accordance with the Order in Council, and as the quality of flax of this year's crop is generally low, the average price is considerably below the maximum. The Government is exercising no control over the price of tow. Flax farmers are represented on the Flax Buying Committee: the prices of flax were fixed by the Government after consultation with representatives of the growers, and are very much in excess of pre-war prices. It is the quality of the flax this season which unfortunately is low, and not the prices. No case of farmers holding over their raw unscutched flax has arisen, but the Government are prepared to take action if necessary.