6628. I understand you are a purchaser of kelp to some extent?- Yes.
6629. Have you heard the evidence that has been given to-day on that subject?-Yes.
6630. Was that evidence correct with regard to the manner in which the kelp is paid for; or do you wish to make any correction or addition to it?-It was perfectly correct, so far as the prices go. 4s. is the cash price, and 4s. 6d. is the goods price which we pay for it.
6631. You pay for it either in cash or goods?-Yes.
6632. In which way do you make the greater part of your payments for kelp?-I should think the greater part would be in goods
6633. Is that because you allow a higher price in goods, and the people prefer taking that higher price?-Certainly. I have no doubt they prefer it; otherwise they would not take it in that way
6634 I suppose if they got it in cash, they could not spend it very easily anywhere else than in your own store?-There are various shops round about where they could go to.
6635. Has that difference in the price of kelp been of long continuance?-I think there has not been very much difference on it for several years.
6636 But has it been long the practice to give an advanced price if payment is taken in goods?-Yes; that has always been the case during my experience. There have always been two prices, at least at Hillswick.
6637. Have you any lease of the kelp shores?-Yes; all round from Roeness Voe to Mavisgrind, on the Busta estate.