§ LORD TEVIOTMy Lords, I beg to ask the question which stands in my name.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether, in view of the improved war position, they will permit farmers to retain at least up to 10 per cent. of the wheat they grow, together with the tailings and offal, in order to fend and increase their animals and incidentally to improve soil fertility.]
THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (THE DUKE OF NORFOLK)My Lords, owing to continued supply difficulties it is still essential that all home-grown wheat which is of millable quality should be utilized for manufacture into flour for human consumption. The position is, however, 367 being kept constantly under review with the object of permitting some relaxation of the compulsory sale conditions as soon as possible.
§ LORD TEVIOTMy Lords, I first raised this question in 1941 with the idea of maintaining fertility and thereby producing more human food. I cannot say that I am anything but extremely disappointed at the decision announced, which no doubt is unavoidable, but I would ask my noble friend if he would look into the question of somehow or other increasing the rations of animals, particularly pigs and poultry. As one goes up and down the countryside now one finds evidence of a loss of fertility which is going to increase rapidly. Perhaps my noble friend will bear that in mind and see whether by some other means the rations, particularly of pigs and 368 poultry, may be increased. I thank him for the answer he has given.