§ 29. Mr. Gallacherasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will ensure that under the new scheme for the bacon industry the suggested subsidy of £1,000,000 does not go direct to increase the profits of feeding-stuff combines; and whether, in view of the fact that feeding-stuff prices have risen on an average by 50 per cent. between February, 1936, and February, 1938, he will consider making provision in the forthcoming legislation to control these prices in relation to the costs of production of feeding-stuff or recovering any part of the proposed subsidy for pig prices from the profits of the feeding-stuff suppliers?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. S. Morrison)The recent rise in the cost of feeding-stuffs was due to world conditions which are outside the control alike of the Government and of the feeding-stuffs trade. It is not, therefore, practicable to take action on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. GallacherWhile the rise in the price of feeding stuffs may be outside the Government's control, the subsidy is not outside their control, and is it not the case that in all previous subsidies the subsidy has gone to those who have the most and not to those who are most in need? Will the right hon. Gentleman see that this subsidy does not go to increase the profits on feeding stuffs?
§ Mr. MorrisonI will take care to see that it goes to those who deserve it. As I have said, the question of feeding stuff prices is outside our control.