§ 28. Mr. BUXTONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the growing movement for centralised export of wheat in the Dominions, he is prepared to instruct the Committee on Stabilisation of Agricultural Prices to 857 pursue its inquiry into the facilities for bulk purchase of wheat by a British Governmental agency, as proposed by the Committee in its Report?
Mr. GUINNESSThis matter was considered by the Royal Commission on Food Prices, and, having regard to the views expressed by the Commission, I do not propose to take any further steps at present.
§ Mr. BUXTONHas not the matter become more urgent on account of the fixing of the Imperial Conference at an early date?
Mr. GUINNESSI do not think that that gets over the difficulty. Even with stabilised prices the State is pretty sure to make big looses. While the stabilised price is below the world price, of course the consumer will get the benefit, but if it ever rises above the world price it is practically impossible for any Government to resist the demand for reduction, and there is a heavy loss.
§ Mr. DALTONIn view of what the right hon. Gentleman has told us, will he give instructions for the discontinuance of this operation?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the object of this central buying and fixing of prices to keep the price high for the benefit of the British farmer, or to keep it low for the benefit of the consumer?