§ Mr. HARRY HOPEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that super phosphates and other essential fertilisers are being quoted at considerably higher prices, already, for the 1920 crop; and what steps he proposes to take to secure their being obtained by farmers at present or lower prices?
Sir A. BOSCAWENDuring the 1918–19 season, which will terminate at the end of the present month, superphosphate has been supplied to farmers at prices below the cost of production. The Government assistance which enabled this to be done is not being continued, and some increase in price is probably unavoidable. The Board have discussed this matter with a committee of the trade, and so far as they are aware no prices have been fixed by makers, except for the sales during the next two or three months of super phosphate required for the 1919 crops.