38. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether he will arrange for an additional release of imported wheat for the poultry-rearers for the period of the hatching season for young chicks from the middle of February to the middle of May, and also ensure that some cut wheat is available for the young chicks during this period, in view of the importance of maintaining the poultry-flocks throughout the country as far as possible?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe increase from 33 per cent. to 50 per cent. in the proportion of home-grown wheat that may be sold for feeding livestock, which my right hon. Friend announced in the House on 13th March, will, it is estimated, increase the supply of feeding wheat during March and April by about 40,000 tons. In addition, the quantity of imported cereal feeding-stuffs being released at the ports during the month of March includes 40,000 tons of feeding wheat.
Mr. De la BèreWill this enable some extra supplies to be available for these young chicks? Does my hon. Friend not realise that it is very important to help 1628 the poultry industry during the coming two months, after which it will be better able to look after itself?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydCertainly, we realise the importance of attending to the industry during these two months, and we shall do our best to see that additional supplies are available.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsHas any appeal been made to dealers to see that extra supplies are given during this period, where possible?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe have that matter under consideration.