43. Mr. Baldwinasked the Minister of Food whether he will give instructions to his inspectors that feedingstuffs coupons issued to farmers against the sale of seed corn will not be cancelled by reason of the fact that the farmer has not taken up the feedingstuffs within two months.
§ Mr. StracheyFeedingstuffs coupons are valid for two months from the date of issue. Experience has shown that provided the farmer places his order promptly this period is long enough for delivery to be made before the expiry date. I see no reason for giving feedingstuffs inspectors authority to vary their instructions.
Mr. BaldwinIs not the Minister aware that farmers ought to be encouraged to sell their seed corn and that it would be much better for the allocation of feeding-stuffs if the coupons could be spread over the winter rather than having to be used within two months?
§ Mr. StracheyWe might reconsider the period of validity of the documents but I am quite sure that whatever that period is, it must be adhered to. The hon. Gentleman will agree that we cannot have out-of-date ration documents being offered.