HC Deb 01 February 1940 vol 356 cc1267-8
52. Mr. W. Roberts

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the new regulations for the sale of seed oats prevent a farmer from selling seed oats to another farmer; and whether all such transactions have now to be made through authorised merchants?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

No, Sir, but the buying farmer would have first to be licensed by the Minister of Food as an "approved buyer" for the purposes of the Home Grown Oats (Control and Maximum Prices) Order, 1940.

Mr. Roberts

Do I understand that every farmer who buys seed oats from another farmer has first to get the approval of the head office of the Ministry of Food?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

He must have a licence.

Mr. T. Williams

Do we understand that, although the price of seed oats is not restricted, no farmer can sell to another farmer without the transaction going through an authorised merchant?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

There must be a licence.