§ LORD TEVIOTMy Lords, I wish to ask the question which stands on the Paper in my name.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether, in view of the improved wheat position, farmers may retain up to ten per cent. of the wheat they grow, to feed their animals, and, in particular, hens.]
§ THE MINISTER OF FOOD (LORD WOOLTON)My Lords, the stocks of wheat 137 for human consumption in this country, consisting, as your Lordships know, partly of imported and partly of home-grown wheat, are, it is true, adequate for the country's needs. I wish that I could agree with the suggestion which the noble Lord, Lord Teviot, makes, but the release for animal feeding purposes of any quantity of home-grown millable wheat such as is suggested would necessitate an increase in our imports of wheat into this country, and at the present moment I am not able to say whether it would be possible to provide increased shipping for this purpose, in view of the Government's other commitments and prospective demands. I am already discussing with my right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture how to use to the best advantage any additional facilities for importing grain that may become available in the future, and due consideration is being given to my noble friend's suggestion.
§ LORD TEVIOTMy Lords, in thanking the noble Lord for his answer, may I just ask him this? If the situation were to alter, would he then give favourable consideration to the suggestion I make in the question?
§ LORD WOOLTONI should be very glad indeed to do so.