HC Deb 06 March 1940 vol 358 cc381-2
58. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Food what steps the Government are taking to enable pig-keepers and stock-keepers generally, to have reasonable returns for their efforts; and whether he will take steps to relate the control price of pigs and livestock generally, to the increased cost of feeding-stuffs based on the prices charged for mixed meals and compound mixture, as distinct from straight-run feeding-stuffs which are unobtainable?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

The prices paid for fatstock by my Department take into account the present cost of feeding-stuffs. I am satisfied that the prices generally provide reasonable returns to producers. Certain detailed adjustments of the prices are, however, now under consideration.

Mr. De la Bère

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these people cannot get straight-run feeding-stuffs and that therefore they have to pay expensive prices for mixtures which do not enable them to produce at these prices, and that it is absolutely untrue to suggest that the prices give the producer any profit whatever? They cannot go on producing at a loss indefinitely.

Mr. Morrison

In answer to the second part of the hon. Member's speech, I am not aware that that is so.

Mr. De la Bère

In view of that statement I shall raise this matter at the earliest possible opportunity. It is an absolute scandal.