33 and 34. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture (1), what steps the Government are taking to protect the poultry farmers against a rise in the price of feeding-stuffs, since a further rise might entail the cost of production being in excess of the selling price;
(2), what steps the Government are taking to stabilise the price of feeding-stuffs for cattle required by farmers against recurring increase by speculators in wheat.
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. S. Morrison)I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to him on 28th February last.
Mr. De la BèreAre the Government doing anything about this matter? Are we always to be referred back? Is my right hon. Friend aware that down Evesham way they want to know what is taking place, and what is the rate of progress?
§ Mr. MorrisonI told my hon. Friend, in the answer to which I have referred him, that the prices of feeding stuffs depend upon world conditions in general, and no Government is able to control them.
Mr. De la BèreAre we always to be at the mercy of the millers? Will not something be done to tell the millers that offals should be cheaper?
§ Mr. MoreingIs it not a fact that the inhabitants of Evesham and district are confirmed optimists?