§ 19. Mr. Charles Morrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps his Department is taking to give guidance to growers on the orderly marketing of this year's cereal harvest.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartMy right hon. Friend considers that farmers need no guidance from him about the importance of orderly marketing of grain. It is up to the individual grower to study the market and match his sales to its needs.
§ Mr. MorrisonIs my hon. Friend aware that current crop ratings are well above the 10-year average and that under the new system working this year there may be some initial confusion at the beginning of the cereal marketing period? Will he keep a close watch and give further guidance if necessary?
§ Mr. StodartI am prepared to keep a close watch on it. But I counsel my hon. Friend not to be over-optimistic. The harvest is not here yet, and quite a lot can happen before then.