HC Deb 05 June 1919 vol 116 cc2277-8W
Major NALL

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that horse owners are anxious about the hay supply for this year, and ask that their interests may be protected by some form of control; is he aware that the shortage £ hay is as great to-day as at any previous time and there is no possibility of any surplus before 1920; and if he will say whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I have received representatives with regard to the hay supply, and after carefully considering the matter, have come to the conclusion that in all the circumstances the issue of a fresh Order, controlling the distribution of the 1919 crop cannot be justified.

Mr. RENDALL

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether com- plaints have been received that the hay of many farmers allotted by the Gloucester County Forage Distributing Committee to a Mr. George Parker, Frenchay, has not been paid for, although delivered, because Parker does not say where the hay is going, where it will be weighed, and declines to send the farmers the weight tickets, and until he does this a settlement for the hay cannot be delivered; and will he see that the hay supplied by Mr. Lloyd, of Horwood Farm, Wickwar, Gloucestershire, on 1st April is now paid for and arrangements made to settle all outstanding claims and prevent a repetition of these irregularities?

Mr. FORSTER

I have no knowledge of the complaints referred to, but I will have inquiries made and let my hon. Friend know the result as soon as possible.

Mr. LYLE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether hay is still being controlled, either in respect to price or methods of purchase; and, if so, what are the intentions of his Department on the subject in the future?

Mr. FORSTER

All the 1918 crop of hay is still being controlled both with regard to price and method of purchase. With regard to the second part of the question, it is not possible to state at present when the restrictions on the sale of hay will be removed, but so far as the War Office is concerned, as I said in answer to a question on the 14th April last, they will cease with the 1918 crop.