§ Mr. J. DAVISONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that the price for osiers and willows grown in Somerset in 1914 was 3s. 9d. per bundle, and in 1920 was from 19s. to 25s. per bundle; that the price of osiers and willows grown in Lincolnshire in 1914 was £20 per ton, and in 1920 £130 per ton; that the price for osiers and willows grown in Berkshire in 1914 was 6s. 9d. per bolt, and in 1920 30s. per bolt; that to these increases in prices must be added 33 per cent. for deterioration, due to neglect in consequence of labour shortage; that the basket, 1739W skip, and hamper industry in this country is experiencing great difficulties in consequence of these high prices and of the importation of finished articles from abroad; and whether inquiry can be made into the reasonableness or otherwise of the increased prices quoted, and steps taken to encourage the cultivation of osiers and willows in this country?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe Ministry is aware that the scarcity of willow rods for basket making has resulted in a rise in prices above those ruling in 1913 of about 400 per cent. in the majority of varieties, and of about 600 per cent. in the case of certain fine varieties. Present shortage of labour is no doubt responsible1740W for some part of the scarcity, though during and since the War many willow beds have become less productive through neglect. The use of untrained labour is also responsible for damage to the crop. The Ministry has already arranged for an investigation into the conditions of the industry, and into the cultivation and marketing of osiers; it has provided an expert adviser to assist growers in the selection of varieties for the cultivation and marketing of osiers; experimental and demonstration plots have been established in Wales, and others are about to be established on the farm of the Midland Agricultural and Dairy College at Sutton Bonnington and at Enham.