§ Mr. P. MEEHANasked the Secretary to the Treasury what arrangements have been made by the militatry authorities with hay merchants in England and Ireland, respectively, re the purchasing, pressing, packing, and delivery of hay; and whether the Irish hay merchants have received the same terms as the English hay merchants?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am informed that all hay required for the Army is purchased direct from the producer in both England and Ireland. The arrangements for pressing and packing are done either by the Forage Department themselves or by contract with owners of presses; all these contracts are at the same rates for the same services.
§ Mr. MEEHANalso asked the date on which the restrictions against farmers in England, Scotland, and Wales selling bay in the open market were put in force, and the date on which similar restrictions were put in force in Ireland; and why Irish farmers are not now allowed to sell their hay in the open market for the best possible price, in the same manner as English, Scotch, and Welsh farmers?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe restrictions were imposed in England, Wales, and Scotland on 16th July, and in Ireland about a month later. The reply to the latter part of the question is contained in answer to the hon. Member for Dublin North on the 16th instant.