§ 82. Mr. De Chairasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is yet in a position to state whether the Government intend to grant any emergency assistance to barley growers; and whether, as a long-term measure, he will consider expanding the forthcoming Wheat Act Amendment Bill into a Cereals Bill to place barley growers in a guaranteed position similar to that enjoyed by wheat growers?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe question is receiving urgent consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement. Long-term policy is being considered at a conference of growers, merchants, brewers and other users of barley, which is holding its first meeting this afternoon. Pending the deliberations of this conference I cannot say what legislation may be necessary.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to give an assurance that he will not single out barley-growers as against oat-growers in the North-East of Scotland whose need is equally great?
§ Mr. MorrisonThere will be no question of penalising the oat-growers.
§ Sir F. SandersonCannot my right hon. Friend announce the long-term policy for agriculture generally which is required?