HC Deb 31 March 1909 vol 3 cc466-7W
Mr. RENTON

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he is aware that competent farmers are quite unable to obtain for live stock and agricultural produce the prices represented in the official returns as current; and whether, seeing that misleading or fictitious returns of prices are injurious to the agricultural industry, he will give this matter his attention and take steps to find more reliable sources of information, and endeavour to bring the Returns in future nearer to the actual prices of fair and market?

Sir EDWARD STRACHEY

The prices published in the Weekly Return of Market Prices are collected by specially appointed market reporters, and are based on actual transactions. If my hon. and gallant Friend can furnish me with any information to the contrary I shall be glad to have inquiry made into the matter.