§ Captain Sir BEVILLE STANIERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether any steps have been taken to import Canadian and foreign hay into this country, in view of the shortage of the supply; and, if so, if he will state the amount, and from where it will be imported, and when it will arrive?
§ Sir A. GEDDESPrevious to the War our imports of hay came mainly from Canada. The price in Canada and the high rates of freight ruling rendered any imports of the 1018 crop impracticable. The general question of importing hay is now under consideration.
§ Major STEELasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether it is intended to control the distribution and the prices of the 1919 hay crop; if so, what prices have been fixed; and will steps be taken to ensure that a sufficient supply is retained in all rural areas to enable farmers to feed their beasts during the coining winter?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI have been asked to reply. The question of the control of the 1919 hay crop is at present under consideration. The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that, under any system of control that may be set up, farmers will be enabled to retain a supply of hay sufficient for their necessary requirements.
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§ Mr. HARRY HOPEasked the Food Controller what stocks of the 1918 crop of hay are at present held in Government hands in Great Britain; and whether, in view of the scarcity of hay, he will take steps to release such stocks for general use if the War Office requirements have been satisfied?
§ Mr. FORSTERI have been asked to reply. Including the amount in the hands of the Army Forage Department, the amount is, approximately, 130,000 tons of hay of the 1918 crop in stack and in bale. At present it is, I fear, not possible to release this hay for general use.
§ Mr. THOMAS DAVIESasked the Secretary of State for War what is the total quantity of hay hold by the War Department in stacks and bales; what are the estimated requirements for the animals in this country the property of the War Department for the next six months; whether, in view of the fact that practically all stacks of hay for civilian consumption are now exhausted, the War Department will transfer all surplus stocks it holds; and if he is aware that unless a. transfer of Army hay is available for civilian use many thousands of horses will soon be foodless?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe quantity of hay held by the War Department including the Army Forage Department is approximately 130,000 tons. The estimated requirements for Army horses in this country for the next six months is approximately 10,000 tons a month. These requirements, however, are likely to increase. The balance is held to meet the demands of the Armies overseas. I am informed that it is not correct that the stocks of hay for civil consumption are exhausted but, on the contrary, the existing stocks are sufficient to meet demands for civil supply until the end of August. Further, the 1919 crop is gradually becoming available.