HC Deb 02 May 1918 vol 105 c1704
69. Mr. MARRIOTT

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the disparity between the price of wheat and the price of poultry mixtures, inferior oats, and damaged corn, etc.; and whether, in view of that disparity, farmers are expected to sell wheat relatively cheap and purchase feeding mixtures relatively dear?

Mr. PROTHERO

I am aware of some disparity in this respect. The whole question is being considered by the Poultry Advisory Committee and the Departments concerned. I hope it will be found possible for the Ministry of Food and the Wheat Commission to take such steps as will put the prices of these materials on a different basis.

Mr. MARRIOTT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, or can he inform me, whether the present disparity is something like £12 to £13 a ton?

Mr. PROTHERO

I am afraid I could not answer offhand. I should think that was rather an exaggerated calculation.

Mr. MARRIOTT

Is not the present price of wheat about £18 a ton, and are not these foods being freely advertised, sold, and bought at about £31 a ton?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.