§ 40. Mr. HUNTasked the Prime Minister whether, if not against the public interest, he would say what provision the Government have made for ensuring the necessary amount of wheat and other necessaries for next year till our own harvest for that year is gathered in?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir Harry Verney)The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. It is not desirable at present to disclose the details of the arrangements, which the Government have good reason to think will effect the object which the hon. Member has in view. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has 637 asked me to mention that the Government scheme for the insurance of vessels and cargoes is having the desired result of ensuring the continuance of our imports of grain and other necessaries.
§ Mr. PETOasked the Prime Minister what objection, if any, the Government have to guaranteeing to farmers a price of 40s. per quarter for all wheat harvested and sold in this country in 1915–16; and whether he will ensure an increased area of wheat being sown this autumn by immediately making public such a guarantee?
§ Sir HARRY VERNEYThe Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Wilton on this subject yesterday.
§ Mr. STANIERIs it not a fact that the question of straw has nothing at all to do with preserving the wheat in ricks for the future supplies of this country as he states?