§ 4. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Food if a decision has yet been reached on the date when feedingstuffs can be freed from rationing control; and if he will abolish the subsidy on imported feedingstuffs at the same time.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThese subjects are under consideration, and I hope decisions on them need not be long delayed.
§ Mr. HurdAs my right hon. and gallant Friend's Department told us that it is the intention of the Government to effect de-rationing of feedingstuffs by next autumn, may I take it that that is the intention of the Government? May I also have an assurance from the Minister that he is now consulting all the interests—farmers, feedingstuff merchants and importers—to arrive at an agreement so that when de-rationing takes place it will take place smoothly?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI think my hon. Friend can take it that it is our intention to adhere to the date we mentioned. As soon as the announcement was made we entered into consultations with all the interests concerned.
§ Mr. WilleyIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that his Parliamentary Secretary said a week ago that the Ministry had not made up their minds?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI do not know who he said that to but it may be the hon. Member, as he always mistakes what my hon. Friend says.
§ Mr. FortIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that if he wants more food production, particularly in dairy products from small farmers, he must announce in the very near future whether he is to continue or discontinue rationing of feeding-stuffs?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI quite appreciate that.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that only the other day the Minister of Agriculture said that he was to make an announcement about feedingstuffs for poultry before the end of the year, and that the present answer seems to throw some doubt on that possibility?