Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in September, 1918, the Government commandeered about fifty tons of hay from a private individual who has several times requested them to remove and pay for it, and who, about a month or so ago, was informed by the Government that a firm of hay dealers would take it over; that such firm sent one man and a press to cut out the hay, and ho has, after a month's work, cut out nearly one rick of about 25 tons; that he will be at least another month be fore the second rick, 25 tons, is cut out, when the owner may be paid for it; that the Government purchased the hay of one rick for £7 13s. a ton, while hay is now selling elsewhere as high as £16 a ton for last year's hay by the Government, and that this is not an isolated case; and will he take steps to abate this grievance?
§ Mr. FORSTERMy right hon. friend has asked me to answer this question. In the absence of further particulars, it is not possible to trace the transaction to which my hon. Friend refers, but, as I have previously pointed out, the bulk of the hay was purchased in the later months of 1018, and as baling and delivery continue throughout the year it is obviously impossible to take delivery at any specified time. Interest is, however, paid on outstanding balances of purchase price, in addition to an allowance for loss of weight in the rick. With regard to the second part of the question, I am informed that a competent workman can easily cut out 23 tons in ten days. As regards the last part, if 1918 hay is being sold at £10 per ton, this is clearly a contravention of the Army Council Order of the 20th August, 1918, and if my hon. Friend will give me full particulars of such a sale, the matter will be promptly dealt with.