§ Mr. ARCHDALEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) why the auctioneers in Ireland have been stopped selling meadows on foot by auction and told they must sell standing meadows by weight, which is practically impossible; 1243W (2) whether he is aware that it is the custom all over Ireland for small farmers and others not owning or occupying good meadow land to buy standing meadows from those who are not able to save all they have; and, seeing that the present Order of the Area Administrative Office of Ireland stopping such sales, which are now just beginning, will have the effect of causing much loss of good and much needed fodder, will he say what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. FORSTERIt is necessary for all sales to be based on an estimated weight in order that the price paid by the purchaser when added to the cost of harvesting may not exceed the maximum laid down by the Army Council for best quality hay. No action has been taken by the Area Administrative Officer to discourage harvesting of the maximum quantity of hay in Ireland, nor is it considered there will be any loss such as the question anticipates.