§ Sir H. NIELDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the delay in the preparation and issue of forms of application for supply of linseed oil for the manufacture of veterinary medicines is causing serious results to cattle in need of such medicines; whether he is aware that a number of 1194W orders for such cattle medicines are being held up in consequence of Departmental delays; and what steps does he propose to take to insist that no further trade interruptions shall be permitted?
§ Mr. CLYNESThere is no evidence in the possession of the Ministry of Food to show that the delay in the issue of the forms of application for supplies of linseed oil for veterinary purposes has had the effect described by the hon. and learned Member. As I have already stated, temporary arrangements were made for the supplying of linseed oil by the local oilseeds supply committees in cases of urgent necessity, and arrangements have now been completed for the issuing of priority certificates by the Linseed Oil Consumers' Association. I may add that since it is necessary seriously to restrict the consumption of linseed oil, it is inevitable that all claims for priority should be carefully scrutinised, and that the magnitude and intricacy of this work can scarcely be realised except by those engaged in it.