§ 38. Mr. McNEILLasked the Food Controller if he is aware that the view prevails among farmers that owing to the in crease in the price of feeding-stuffs it will not be possible to continue the production of meat and milk except at a considerable increase of price; and if he will say what steps he proposes to take to minimise the shortage of these necessaries?
Mr. ROBERTSWhile I share the anxiety of the farmers as to the increase in the price of feeding-stuffs, there is no reason to anticipate that supplies will be below the normal amount, although the demand will undoubtedly be increased as the result of the recent drought. Crushers have made heavy forward purchases of oilseeds, and the Shipping Controller has promised that adequate tonnage shall be forthcoming.
§ Mr. McNEILLDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the price of oil cake has increased by £10 a ton during the last four months, and does he think that the measures referred to will be sufficient to counteract that?
Mr. ROBERTSI have the matter under the closest consideration. Negotiations are proceeding and arrangements are entered into which I hope will have the effect of checking the upward tendency and securing the feeding-stuffs at reasonable prices.
Mr. ROBERTSYes; I have formed an understanding with the Shipping Controller that such tonnage as we require for food or feeding-stuffs shall be placed at our disposal.