101. Mr. E. P. Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is a serious shortage of lime sulphur wash for fruit-tree spraying, the lime being diverted to the building trade; and if he will take prompt steps to restore their quota of lime to the manufacturers of tree washes, in view of the need to produce the largest possible quantity of home-grown fruit this season.
§ Mr. BelcherI am aware that production of lime sulphur has been handicapped by a shortage of the type of lime used for this purpose. Lime has not been diverted to the building trade, which, in common with other consumers, has been similarly handicapped. It would not be in the general interest to provide for tree washes at the expense of other essential uses