HC Deb 21 November 1917 vol 99 cc1181-2
68. Sir JOHN SPEAR

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that in the South of England a quantity of dredge corn—a mixture of oats and barley—is grown for feeding cattle and pigs; will he say if farmers can use such corn, whether damaged or not, for this purpose, or sell to others requiring it; and is a permit required either to use or sell such corn?

Mr. CLYNES

I am aware of the facts stated in the first part of the question. Clause 1 of the Dredge Corn Order, 1917, made at the end of last week, prohibits the use of dredge corn, other than damaged dredge corn, except for the purpose of manufacturing flour. There is no prohibition against the sale of dredge corn provided that the price charged does not exceed the maximum price fixed by the Order. No permit is required for the feeding of damaged dredge corn to cattle and pigs; but no grain may be so used unless it is proved to be unsaleable for milling.

Sir J. SPEAR

Is not the hon. Member aware that in Devon and Cornwall acres a this class of corn are grown, especially for the purpose of raising poultry and meat, and that, consequently, the production of this food is seriously hindered unless dredge corn is permitted to be used for that purpose?

Mr. CLYNES

All those points were taken into consideration in training the Order to which my answer applies.

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