48. Brigadier-General BROWNasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence, whether the sub-committee which are recommending the steps to be taken to increase the output of agriculture in an emergency have consulted any agriculture interests outside the Ministry of Agriculture; and, if not, will they consult with the Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Council of Agriculture for England and Wales as well as with some of those who had experience in dealing with the whole question of food supplies in the late War?
§ Sir T. INSKIPThe sub-committee include representatives of the agricultural Departments which are in close touch with outside agricultural interests. While I have no doubt that my right hon. Friends will bear in mind my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion as to formal consultations should the necessity arise, there is naturally considerable information in the possession of the Departments as to the arrangements made for food supplies in the late War.
Brigadier-General BROWNWhile the Ministries may give statistics supplied by the Treasury, should not the right hon. Gentleman consult the practical men who speed the plough, breed the beef, milk the cows and produce the eggs?
§ Mr. THORNEWill the Government consider the advisability of bringing in a compulsory land cultivation Bill?
§ Sir T. INSKIPThat is another question, but if the hon. Member will put it down, I will try to answer it.