§ 20. Sir J. Barlowasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with recent progress in the making of grass silage; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. AmoryNo, Sir. Silage making is well established on a nucleus of farms, but there is room for much expansion especially on our smaller farms. To stimulate this the Government have undertaken to seek power to make grants towards the cost of silo construction, and I hope to announce my proposals early in the new Session. The National Agricultural Advisory Service continues to make this problem one of its main themes.
§ Sir J. BarlowCan the Minister say whether he is satisfied with the protein content of silage already made and whether it helps substantially to reduce the amount of protein imported from abroad at dollar cost?
Mr. AmoryAs my hon. Friend knows, silage varies enormously in quality, but I have had many indications that the average level of quality has been improving 1933 during the past year or two. I am quite certain that good silage does help us to save a great deal of imported feeding-stuffs. That is one of the reasons why I am anxious to encourage it. Another reason is because I am sure that it will be to the economic advantage of the farmer to make it, provided that it is good.