§ 61. Mr. ALBERYasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now make any further statement concerning the wheat quota?
§ Sir J. GILMOURSince I announced in this House, on the 26th November last, the Government's approval of the principle of a quota for home-grown wheat, I have had numerous interviews and much correspondence with the national organisations representative of the interests concerned. The original proposals have been frankly discussed, and I have considered sympathetically any constructive suggestions that were not in conflict with the Government's intention to secure a certain market, at an enhanced price, for home-grown wheat of millable quality, without a subsidy from the Exchequer and without encouraging the extension of the wheat area to land that is unsuitable for the purpose. As a result, I was able to submit modified proposals to a conference of delegates on the 12th January, and it was agreed that these proposals were workable. The conference appointed a committee to co-operate with me in preparing a final draft which, subject to Government approval, would be embodied in legislation. The Government have approved the revised proposals with certain minor modifications, and I hope at an early date to introduce a Rill to give effect to them.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWould the right hon. Gentleman kindly tell the House what price he has in mind for wheat of minimum quality?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir, not at this stage.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the flour millers will now fall into line?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThere has been general agreement by all the parties concerned that the scheme now proposed is workable.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHas the Poultry Breeders' Association agreed also?
§ Sir J. GILMOURYes, Sir.