§ 41. Colonel Gomme-Duncanasked the Minister of Food if he is now in a position to reconsider the down-pointing of oatmeal in view of the large stocks now held by millers in Scotland and the consequent deterioration of the cereal.
§ Mr. StracheyI am giving this matter careful consideration, but according to my information the stocks of oatmeal held by millers are not unduly large.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a considerable number—I will not go as far as to say that there is a large number—of millers in Scotland who are hopelessly overstocked with oatmeal, and that the wholesalers will not take it because they have not got the points?
§ Mr. StracheyWe know within a very small amount the total stocks. They amount to a very few weeks supply. Whether it is possible to make some imported oats available to millers, which would probably be necessary if this change were made, is another matter which we are considering.
Mr. E. P. SmithWill the Minister undertake that the down-pointing of processed barley shall march hand in hand with the down-pointing of oatmeal?
§ Mr. StracheyThat is a very desirable objective.