HC Deb 26 April 1937 vol 323 cc18-9
31. Mr. De la Bére

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in order to give the farmer a sense of security as to the ultimate value of the finished bacon or pork pigs, he will consider taking action to check the gambling in wheat and other corn; and is he aware of the many cases of farmers who are prevented from the raising of pigs by the uncertainty in the prices of feeding-stuffs?

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. S. Morrison)

I am aware that as a result of general world causes the prices of cereals have risen from the abnormally low levels of recent years and of the difficulties that inevitably follow from price fluctuations.

Mr. De la Bére

Is the Minister aware that the cost of standard feeding-stuffs for May has risen by 1½d., and is it not possible to do something to prevent the rise and to stabilise the price of feeding-stuffs throughout the country? Is it not time that something was done in this country to assist agriculture instead of merely talking about it?

Mr. Morrison

The Government have no control over the price of feeding-stuffs. It is entirely subject to world causes.

Mr. T. Williams

Has it not been the policy of the Government since 1932 to help agriculturists in the Dominions?

Captain Heilgers

Is my right hon. Friend aware that those producers who maintain a steady production throughout usually come out on top?

Sir Percy Harris

Would it not help to reduce the price of feeding-stuffs if duties and tariffs were swept away?

Mr. Morrison

The rise in price is not due to tariffs. In reply to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) the policy of the Government has been to help British agriculture.

Mr. George Griffiths

Tariffs do not increase the costs, do they?