§ 33. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Minister of Agriculture what processes for increasing the yield of British cereals, especially barley, are under investigation by his Department, and what have been the results?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Dr. Addison)My Department does not itself carry out research in connection with cereals, but it makes grants to several Agricultural Research Institutes concerned with such investigations.
It is impossible to summarise the results of the various researches, but I would refer the hon. Member to a volume entitled "Research and the Land," published by the Stationery Office in 1926. More recent information can be obtained from a volume prepared by my Department containing reports on the work of Agricultural Research Institutes for the academic year 1928–29, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. A similar volume for the academic year 1929–30 is now in course of preparation.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEMay I ask if any of these reports are issued in a yellow book?
§ Dr. ADDISONI think the colour is blue, as a matter of fact.
§ 44. Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps have been taken to stabilise the price of British wheat; and when will the stabilisation be completed?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am not in a position to make any statement regarding the nature of the proposals for dealing with the cereal situation, which are under examination by the Government.
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that stability in the price of main crops and products was promised at the last General Election, and has there not been time to carry out that promise?
§ Dr. ADDISONI cannot answer as to the precise terms of the promise, but, if we get the chance, I am sure that we shall make it good.