HC Deb 24 January 1968 vol 757 c406
27. Mr. Kitson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has made to encourage substitution of maize and other imported grain by home-grown barley in feedingstuffs.

Mr. Hoy

Animal feed manufacturers have promised to use the maximum quantity of home-grown wheat and barley. This should be facilitated by devaluation which has made imported grain relatively more expensive than home-grown grain.

Mr. Kitson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is not happening? Will he alter the minimum price for maize to encourage merchants to use more home-grown barley?

Mr. Hoy

The maize price has gone up by £4 per ton since devaluation and barley and wheat prices have gone up by only 30s. to 45s. per ton respectively, which should give them a distinct advantage.