§ Dr. Littleasked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the figures that have been supplied to him as to the cost of producing flax in Northern Ireland, he will increase the price for 1944 to a standard commensurate with the increased cost of production and rearrange the present system of grading which is causing dissatisfaction?
§ Mr. PeatThe prices of flax in Northern Ireland have recently been raised as indicated in the notice, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, and I am satisfied that they are at a standard not incommensurate with the cost of production. Complaints in regard to grading have been discussed with the representatives of the various interests concerned, including those of the Ulster Farmers' Union. In agreement with them, instructions have been issued providing for appeals by farmers against assessments by graders to be made direct to the inspectors, and not through the graders, and for the standards of 1942 to be maintained unaltered.