§ 53. Mr. Boothbyasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the rising costs of production and the desirability of ploughing up the maximum amount of land, he proposes to raise the standard wholesale price of oats for the forth coming year; and whether he will make an early pronouncement on the matter in order that the farmers may know where they stand?
§ Captain McEwenMy hon. Friend will be aware that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food announced yesterday that the Government propose to seek the approval of Parliament to an Order raising the standard price of oats of the 1939 crop to 9s. per cwt. or 27s. per quarter. As regards the forthcoming crops I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by the Minister of Agriculture on 19th October with regard to the difficulty of fixing standard prices for next year's crops and to the assurance given in that statement that it is the intention of the Government when the time comes to fix these prices to ensure to the farmers a reasonable return on crops harvested next year.
§ Mr. BoothbyWhile thanking my hon. and gallant Friend for his reply, may I take it that the price of oats will be kept under continuous review by His Majesty's Government, in relation to the cost of production?
§ Captain McEwenCertainly.