§ Lieutenant-Colonel CROFT(by private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, having regard to the decision of the Government to fix the price of wheat at 60s. per quarter and the fact that this price is 20s. under the existing world prices in Great Britain, he will consider giving an undertaking that the Government will fix a fair minimum price for a period of years and thus give the only possible security to these farmers who are asked to break up new land in the national interest?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThe contract price for the cereal year 1916–17 is 60s. a quarter for wheat, and is for this period only. The future policy with regard to guarantees is under consideration, and it is hoped that an announcement may be made shortly.
§ Mr. G. LAMBERTWill the hon. Gentleman be good enough to publish as soon as possible when the guaranteed price of 60s. per quarter commences?
§ Sir R. WINFREYI will convey that request to the President of the Board.