HC Deb 01 March 1948 vol 448 cc25-6
50. Colonel Ropner

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now make a statement with regard to the supply of feedingstuffs.

64. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will now make a statement on the possible increase of the feedingstuffs ration, and a revision of the basis of the ration, as a result of the increased imports of coarse grains from Russia and elsewhere.

Mr. T. Williams

An examination of prospective supplies and requirements, and of the practicability of introducing a revised basis of rationing, has not yet been completed. I am not, therefore, in a position to make a statement.

Colonel Ropner

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to make a statement, as this matter is one of very great interest to a large number of farmers and smallholders?

Mr. Williams

We must be satisfied of a reasonably assured supply, and be in a position to estimate demand with fair accuracy for a sufficiently long period, before any change can be made. Otherwise, if we make promises that we are ultimately unable to fulfil, I feel that the farming community would not bless us if they had to dispose of livestock.

Mr. Driberg

Will my right hon. Friend attempt to make that supplementary answer widely known, because there has been some concern about the delay in coming to a decision, and the answer he has just given would help to explain it?

Mr. Williams

I hope the supplementary answer will be widely publicised for that purpose.

Mr. David Renton

With reference to Question No. 64, which the Minister has also answered, will he, when reconsidering the matter, try to get away from the pre-war basis of allocation and find something more up to date?

Mr. Williams

I hope that will be possible if we have additional supplies available to us.

Mr. Gerald Williams

Will the Minister restrain other Ministers from talking on public platforms about increased feeding-stuffs which are available at the present time?