§ 65. Mr. BOOTHBYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider making arrangements to set up a Royal Commission to inquire into the position of the growers of cereals in Scotland and to recommend what action should be taken to improve it?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLENo, Sir; I do not think that the appointment of a Royal Commission would be the most appropriate method of dealing with the matter to which my ion. Friend refers.
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEYes.
§ 66. Mr. BOOTHBYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the wholesale price of oats in England is between 20s. and 30s. a quarter, while the price in Scotland is 13s.; what is the reason for this disparity; and whether he proposes to take any steps to secure a better price for the Scottish farmers?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe difference in the price levels is less than my hon. Friend suggest. The average price of oats in England and Wales during the first half of February was 18s. 3d. per quarter as compared with 14s. 6d. in Scotland. The lower rates in Scotland are in the main due to the surplus of supplies over requirements in local markets. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave him on 18th February.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYCan my hon. and gallant Friend say when the Government will be in a position to announce their policy in regard to oats?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLENo, Sir, I can only assure my hon. Friend that it is very actively under our consideration at the present time.
§ Lord APSLEYIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that consumers cannot get oats in the west of England at under 28s. a quarter?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSHave there been any complaints from poultry keepers about the price?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLENo, Sir, I think poultry keepers have in general got their feeding stuffs at a very low rate.