HC Deb 29 June 1931 vol 254 cc875-6
29. Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWN

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the resolution passed last week by the Council of Agriculture for England and Wales urging that the Government should bring in, at the earliest possible moment, a quota system for milling wheat, he proposes to take any steps in that direction or whether he will help farmers to get a better price for their first quality wheat this autumn by any other means?

Dr. ADDISON

I am not yet in a position to make a further statement on this subject.

Brigadier-General BROWN

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that year by year wheat production is going down owing to low prices, and that, if he does not do something to better prices, he will have less wheat next year.

Dr. ADDISON

Yes.

Mr. THORNE

If this quota system were made compulsory, what would it cost the country?

Dr. ADDISON

I do not think that that arises out of the question on the Paper.

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

Will the right hon. Gentleman have any information before the end of July?