42. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the record low price of wheat and since wheat offals are directly related to the price of wheat, he will consult with the farmers throughout the country with a view to evolving some scheme to enable them to organise and unify themselves into one body for the purpose of buying wheat offals?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend will be happy to convey my hon. Friend's suggestion to the National Farmers' Union who are in close touch with the existing co-operative societies concerned with the purchase of farmers' requirements. These societies could, no doubt, readily assess the possibility of purchasing wheat offals more cheaply on the basis suggested.
Mr. De la BèreIs my hon. Friend aware that Government interference with the grain trade has upset the usual functioning of the market, and is he not aware that the Price Fixing Association of the Millers' Mutual seized on this to exploit the farmers in every part of the country? Cannot steps be taken to protect the farmer?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI am not aware of that, but I know that my hon. Friend holds pretty strong views on this subject.
Mr. De la BèreIs my hon. Friend aware that I am profoundly disappointed at the action of the Government?
§ Sir W. WomersleyThat will not be news to Members of this House.