§ 57. Mr. W. Robertsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the increasing profits made by the brewers and distillers, such buyers of malting barley will now be required to pay a guaranteed price which would cover the cost of production of British malting barley?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. S. Morrison)The Barley Conference to which I referred in my statement of 9th December has been invited to consider what measures might be adopted to prevent a recurrence of the price situation that has developed this season. The hon. Member will, I am sure, recognise that it would be undesirable that I should in any way prejudge the outcome of their deliberations by expressing an opinion upon any particular proposal such as that which he suggests.
§ Mr. RobertsWill this be one of the proposals that will be before the conference?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir; a very similar proposal will be before the conference.
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsWill the larger consumption of barley help the purpose that the hon. Gentleman has in mind?