§ 49. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Food if he can make a further statement on the harvest of sorghum and other crops grown this season by the Queensland-British Food Corporation; if he is satisfied that all is going well with the pig and cattle departments; and if he has yet had further consultations with the Queensland Government about the future of the whole enterprise.
§ The Minister of Food (Mr. Maurice Webb)The sorghum harvest is expected to yield about 10,000 tons, of which 9,800 tons had been harvested when the Corporation sent their last report. The yield of sunflowers on the small acreage sown has not been encouraging. I know of nothing to suggest that there is anything unsatisfactory about the pig and cattle departments.
I have had no recent consultations with the Queensland Government about the future of the enterprise; but the Corporation is, of course, in constant contact with the two Governments concerned. I should add that I am in touch with the Chairman of the Board, and I shall 1458 shortly be having detailed talks with him about some aspects of the future of this undertaking.
§ Mr. HurdDoes not the Minister think it would be prudent to prepare the mind of the Queensland Government with our desire to withdraw from this unnecessary state enterprise while there is still something in the kitty?