21. Major Hillsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, since Parliament will adjourn on 30th July, he can indicate some action which the Government will take to relieve the distress afflicting poultry keepers, especially those who have embarked their whole fortune in the enterprise?
§ 22. Mr. Mathersasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to indicate the policy of the Government in relation to the poultry industry?
§ Mr. RamsbothamAs stated in reply to questions on 15th July by my hon. Friend the Member for South-West Norfolk (Mr. De Chair) and by the hon. Member for Blaydon (Mr. Whiteley), my right hon. Friend is not in a position to make any announcement of policy with regard to the poultry industry.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Acland-TroyteWill the hon. Gentleman urge upon the President of the Board of Trade the necessity of doing away with the present treaties which prevent any action being taken?
§ Mr. RamsbothamMy right hon. Friend is well aware of the present position.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Acland - TroyteThen why does he not do something?
§ Mr. MathersIs the Minister aware that his right hon. Friend is credited with being prepared to give the necessary assistance to the cultivator and the livestock producer, but is not prepared to do something for the small man? When is he going to remove this reproach?
§ Mr. RamsbothamAs I have said, my right hon. Friend is not in a position to make an announcement.
§ Mr. StephenIs the Minister aware that many hon. Members think that the Government are brooding too long over this matter?
Mr. V. AdamsIs the Minister aware of the urgency of this matter, affecting all parts of the country?