§ Colonel HALL WALKERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that of the 1918 crop of hay in Great Britain 801,927 tons, including 333,641 tons originally taken for Army purposes, was compulsorily taken for civil supply under the Government scheme; whether he is aware that for this tonnage a total sum of less than £6,100,000 was paid to the farmers by whom the hay was grown; and whether he is aware that for this tonnage a total sum 2126W of over £9,200,000 has been paid by the owners of the horses and cattle consuming the hay?
§ Mr. FORSTERMy hon. and gallant Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture has asked me to answer this question. I do not know how my hon. and gallant Friend arrives at his figure in the third part of the question. The price to the consumer includes baling and other expenses, which, for quantities over 10 cwts., total 37s. 6d. per ton, in addition to the actual rail and cartage charges, and storage charges, if any, which have been incurred.