§ 61. Mr. Rentonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the market price of buckwheat has risen very considerably during the past few weeks; and whether, in view of its use as a substitute poultry food, he will consider fixing a maximum price at which it may be sold.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI have no information regarding the prices at which buckwheat is now being sold. The growing of this crop is controlled by the Buckwheat and Canary Seed (Control of Cultivation) Order and is largely confined to poultry keepers for their own use. The possibility of fixing a maximum price for buckwheat has been considered and rejected from time to time during the war, and I do not consider that such control would be justified now.
§ Mr. RentonIn view of the great scarcity of poultry food, will the Minister reconsider this matter, which is hitting a large number of small poultry keepers? If the right hon. Gentleman will make inquiries, he will, no doubt, find that that is so.
§ Mr. WilliamsThe hon. Gentleman will be aware that the growing of these crops is only permitted under licences granted by the county agricultural executive committees, and these licences are very scarce.