§ Colonel GRETTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the prices recently announced for the 1919 corn crop, namely, wheat and rye 75s. 6d. per quarter of 504 lbs., oats 47s. 6d. per quarter of 336 lbs., and barley 70s. per quarter of 448 lbs., brewing barley only, and 57s. for other barley in England and Wales are to be maximum prices or minimum prices; and, if these prices are minimum prices, is it contemplated fixing any maximum prices?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the question addressed to me to-day by the hon. and gallant Member for Antrim, a copy of which I have sent to him.
Mr. A. T. DAVIESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can state the fixed price of corn for 1920?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe only figures that I can at present give are those mentioned in Section 2 (1) of the Corn Production Act of 1917.
§ Major O'NEILLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that the maximum prices for cereals in 1918 are to be the minimum prices for 1919, he intends to 626W issue an order stating in figures what the minimum prices for the 1919 crop will be, in order to remove a feeling of uncertainty from the farming community?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe precise method for giving effect to the guarantee given by the late Government of the prices for the 1919 cereal crops is under consideration. An announcement will be made at the earliest possible moment.