§ 36. Brigadier-General Clifton Brownasked the Minister of Agriclture whether in view of the impossibility of getting orders for slag or lime executed for the next six months, he will consider whether superphosphate cannot qualify temporarily for the subsidy so that a second cut of seeds and hay can be secured to make up for light crops owing to the drought?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe circumstances are not, in my opinion, such as to justify asking Parliament to consider legislation to give effect to this suggestion.
§ Mr. PalingHave not prices risen above the estimate which was given when the Bill was going through?
§ Mr. MorrisonNo, Sir; that is not the case. As a matter of fact, we have arranged for the purchase of slag at lower prices than in the preceding year.
Brigadier-General BrownIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that farmers are crying out for superphosphates in order to stimulate the production of a second crop?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe considerations on account of which we did not include superphosphates in the scheme were debated during the passage of the Bill, and the hon. and gallant Member is aware of them. As a matter of fact, I am advised that the supply of super-phosphates at the present time would not have the effect of stimulating the growth of seeds so as to secure a second crop.