§ 64. Colonel WEIGALLasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether any considered policy has been decided upon for the provision of feeding-stuffs and fertilisers for 1918–19; what amount of tonnage and finance has been allocated to linseed and cotton seed; and whether any approximate estimate can now be given as to the amount of oil cake available for distribution in the United Kingdom during the next six months?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Major Astor)I have been asked to reply. The provision of an adequate supply of fertilisers and feeding-stuffs depends upon considerations of finance and tonnage, which cannot at present be stated definitely. It is hoped to maintain supplies of sulphate of ammonia and basic slag at last year's level, and to import an increased amount of phosphate rock. It is further hoped that it will be possible to distribute to farmers as much oil cake as 208 was distributed last winter, and it is believed that circumstances will render an increased amount of millers' offals available.
§ Colonel WEIGALLCan the right hon. Gentleman inform me before the House rises as to oil cake?
§ Major ASTORNo time is being lost. There is constant consultation between the Departments concerned, and, in addition, representatives of the Allies, who are also concerned, are consulting at this moment.