§ 9. Sir P. Hannonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the anxiety felt by both farmers and merchants in provincial towns on the prices to be paid for next year's crops; and whether he will allay the uncertainty which prevails and stimulate additional cultivation by a specific undertaking that a minimum price will be operative?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithAs my hon. Friend is aware the Government will be purchasing the whole of the staple crops grown for next year's harvest and sold off the farm at prices to be fixed in the light of prevailing circumstances. Farmers will therefore have a guaranteed market and prices for their principal products. As I have already announced, all relevant factors including variations in costs of production will be taken into account in fixing prices from time to time.
§ Sir P. HannonWill my right hon. and gallant Friend take immediate steps to make these facts known to the farmers who do not really seem to understand the situation?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI think that most of them do understand.