§ Sir P. Harrisasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that, since his Ministry made orders for the control of flax and hemp on 1st September, business in these commodities has been almost brought to a standstill; whether he is aware that not a single purchase of sisal by British spinners has been possible during the last five weeks though it is wanted to manufacture goods essential for war purposes; why, in spite of the control, the prices of fibres have gone up from 60 to as much as 200 per cent.; and whether he will consider modifying the system of control so that users can both buy the fibres they require for spinning and obtain them at reasonable prices?
§ Mr. BurginI am aware that there is a discrepancy between the maximum prices at which flax and hemp may be sold in this country and the prices ruling abroad, which the hon. Baronet will appreciate are not under my control. Apart from one instance involving only a very small amount of fibre, I am not aware that there has898W been any interference with the production of goods into which these fibres enter, and the object of the control is to ensure that supplies shall be available to users at reasonable prices. To this end steps have been taken for purchases to be made abroad on the best possible terms.