asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the closing down of the West Mersea shell-grit factory, with a loss to the taxpayer of £3,336, was due to the competition of American grit; how the present prices of American grit compare with those in 1923; and whether the American grit is being produced under State management or by private enterprise?

The plant and stock of the factory were sold to a private company, who removed the plant to another site, and, so far as I am aware, are carrying on the business. The sale of the grit by the Ministry was seriously interfered with by the competition of American grit, among other causes. I have no reason for believing that American grit is produced under State management. I regret that I have been unable to obtain reliable information as to the present price of American grit in this country.

Does not all this tend to show that it would be very much better if this work were left to private individuals?

I think it is generally agreed that experimental work which is valuable to the cause of agriculture must take the form of an enterprise of this kind.

But you are put out of business by private enterprise in America.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the lactose factory at Haslington, the experimental work at which has cost the country, up to 30th June last, £18,201, is now producing on a satisfactory economic basis; and, if so, what is the amount of the present average weekly sales?

No, Sir. The factory is now being devoted to experimental work which is not conducted on a commercial basis. These investigations are in charge of University College, Reading.

Is not the total product since the start less than £2,000, with an expenditure of £18,000? Is it not time that the factory was closed and sold?

Will the Minister say whether it was the original intention to conduct this as an experimental station or on a business footing?

Decidedly as an experiment.