HC Deb 03 December 1912 vol 44 cc2116-7W
Mr. NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, having regard to the fact that the average reduction to date in judicial rents fixed for a third statutory term has been 9?, per cent., he can state the average price in Ireland for the years 1890–4 or 1891–5 (as most convenient) for the following commodities, two-year-old cattle per head, oats per 112 pounds, and hay per 112 pounds, as compared with the average prices for the same commodities for the years 1906 to 1910; and whether with regard to other agricultural products for the periods in comparison, he can state generally whether the prices have shown a trend in an upward or downward direction?

Mr. BIRRELL

The average prices obtained in Irish Markets and Fairs during each of the quinquennial periods mentioned for Irish cattle over two but under three years old, Irish oats, and Irish hay were:—

1890–94. 1891–95. 1906–10.
£ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d.
Cattle two to three years old, per head 8 17 10 8 11 9 10 2 4
Oats, per 112 lbs 6 4 6 1 5 10½
Hay, per 112 lbs 8 3 3 2
The general trend of the prices in Ireland of other Irish agricultural products for the periods in comparison has shown an upward direction.