HC Deb 02 October 1939 vol 351 cc1655-7
4. Mr. De la Bére

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can make some statement of the steps the Government are taking to preserve the normality in the prices charged by distributors of cattle feeding-stuffs to farmers since the outbreak of hostilities?

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. W. S. Morrison)

I have been asked to reply. Animal feeding-stuffs are at present being sold in accordance with a price schedule forming part of a maximum Prices Order dated 29th September. The scale of prices in this schedule approximates to the pre-war level.

Mr. De la Bére

Is my right hon. Friend aware that certain corn merchants are charging 8s. 6d. per cwt. for sharps, and that the price should not be more than 6s. 6d.? Will he take steps to see that this price for feeding stuffs does not continue?

Mr. Morrison

If the hon. Member will furnish me with any particulars in his possession of any infractions of the price order, I will certainly look into it.

Mr. A. V

Alexander: What is the date of the operation of the Order referred to?

Mr. Morrison

I will look up the precise date and let the right hon. Member know.

6. Mr. De la Bére

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider formulating a scheme whereby the county agricultural war executive committees should have powers of recommending to the Minister of Agriculture, farmers who require credit facilities to enable them to buy cattle feeding stuffs?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I have every reason to believe that credit for the purpose referred to will be forthcoming through the normal channels, and in these circumstances I do not propose to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Mr. De la Bére

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that even if credit is forthcoming, uneconomic prices are being charged by these corn merchants simply because they have to give credit? Will he take steps to see that these uneconomic prices are prohibited?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply.

Mr. De la Bére

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this practice is prevalant, and that a charge has already been made of 8s. 6d. per cwt. for sharps? It is really a serious matter.

Mr. T. Williams

In view of the fact that banks are in control of so many farms, would it not be unwise to allow more farmers to become subject to the big banking organisations?

Commander Locker-Lampson

Could not the £2 offered for ploughing up land be increased to £5?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

That is another question.

Mr. Ridley

Has the right hon. Gentleman under consideration the general question of agricultural credits, and does he intend to propose any new agricultural credit facilities?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

The general question is under consideration.