§ 20. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Food if he will keep the supplies of coarse grains and other feedingstuffs under constant review so that the rationing scheme may be discarded at the earliest possible moment.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeYes, Sir.
§ Mr. HurdWill my right hon. and gallant Friend, when he is keeping a watch on this problem, recognise that at the present time surplus feedingstuffs coupons are passing freely between the farmers and the merchants at a low premium, and that there is very strong evidence that the feedingstuffs rationing scheme should be wound up immediately after the harvest?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI am not so sure about that, but it is the Government's policy that as soon as possible the rationing scheme should end. However, we must realise that a great deal depends first of all on the subsidy being removed —it is very substantial—and also on supplies being adequate; but as soon as those conditions are fulfilled we shall be very glad indeed to get rid of it.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman explain why, when the present Government came into power, available supplies of coarse grains and other feedingstuffs, which, we were assured, were plentiful and obtainable, suddenly disappeared?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeSimply because stocks under the late Government became so low.