HC Deb 09 February 1948 vol 447 cc29-30
48. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Agriculture how and to what extent British farmers will benefit from the recent purchase of Russian coarse grains.

50. Commander Maitland

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will alter the basis upon which the amount of feedingstuffs issued to commercial poultry keepers is computed.

51. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Agriculture how soon he expects that increased supplies of feedingstuffs for pigs and poultry will be available to producers as a result of the Anglo-Soviet Trade Agreement; and if, in view of the substantial quantity of coarse grains to be imported this year under this agreement, he is now planning to extend the basis of the rations as well as increasing the rations available to existing producers.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)

I am not yet in a position to add to my replies of 26th and 29th January to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Renton) and the hon. Member for Central Aberdeen (Mr. Spence).

Mr. De la Bère

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether poultry keepers and pig producers will derive some immediate benefit in view of the great importance of poultry and pig breeding to this country?

Mr. Williams

We hope to be able to make another announcement shortly after we have further examined the supply position.

Mr. De la Bère

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that we do not want hope, but action?

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Has the Minister any alternative proposals for the distribution of coarse grains except to poultry and pigs?

Mr. Williams

As I recently informed the House, we are examining the basis of the ration.

Mr. Driberg

Since the grain is now being shipped, could my right hon. Friend say how soon he expects to make another announcement? This is not quite satisfactory.

Mr. Williams

I could not, but I hope it will be fairly soon.

Commander Maitland

Will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the 1939 basis with regard to the poultry ration?

Mr. Williams

We already have that under examination.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to make allowances of poultry food in certain exceptional cases, such as the one I recently brought to his notice?

Mr. Williams

The case to which the hon. Gentleman refers would come under the examination we are now making.

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