§ Sir J. LONSDALEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that, whilst Irish farmers are being required to sell their hay to the Government at 70s. to 90s. per ton, Scottish farmers are receiving for hay sold to the Government 100s. to 130s. per ton; and if he will explain why there should be such a difference between Scottish and Irish prices?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe figures quoted by my hon. Friend are not really comparable. I am informed that the Scottish figures include special purchases for delivery in May to September, 1916. The Irish figures are for delivery in October and November of this year. No figures for Ireland similar to the figures quoted for Scotland have yet been arranged. The Irish price is generally 5s. lower than the Scottish price for the same period.