§ 46. Mr. G. Williamsasked the Minister of Agriculture what evidence he has received of the difficulties in harvesting linseed this year; and whether he considers that the present price is giving sufficient encouragement to farmers to grow this crop.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (Mr. George Brown)There is no doubt that linseed is not an easy crop to harvest. This year's experience appears to have varied somewhat widely: but the season was exceptional, favouring strong weed growths, and harvesting in general was difficult and prolonged. It is, I think, perhaps rather soon to conclude that the present price is not sufficiently encouraging to growers in less unfavourable circumstances.
§ Mr. WilliamsAre the Government taking any steps to find out whether there is better machinery in the Argentine, the United States and other countries to make the harvesting of this crop an easier proposition?
§ Mr. BrownI will not tie myself to any of the examples given by the hon. Member, but we are certainly taking a wide view of what should be done to help producers of this and other crops on which we are really depending.
§ Major Sir Thomas DugdaleWill the Minister bear in mind that if he wants to achieve the target of linseed next season, he should bring this matter up at the next February price review?