§ Colonel WEIGALLasked what the total cost of the services of the officers and staffs of the Forage Department is; and what are the duties now performed by the fifty-one district purchasing officers in the United Kingdom which could not be performed by the War Agricultural Committees?
§ Mr. FORSTERI have no figures immediately available in regard to the first part of the question, but the total cost of the Forage Department is, from the latest returns, 5.68 per cent, on the total cost to destination of the purchases handled. I think the best method by which my hon. and gallant Friend could gain an insight into the duties of the district purchasing officers would be for him to accompany one of them; and I shall be happy to arrange for this, if he so desires.