§ MR. W. SHAWasked the Minister of Food (1) if, seeing that the bread subsidy is to be continued, he will consider the advisability of giving a subsidy to oatmeal; and is he aware that the amount per head of oatmeal consumed in Scotland is greater than in England and the amount of flour meal correspondingly less;
(2) if he is aware that American oatmeal can be purchased in this country at from 70s. to 72s. per 280 lbs. while Scotch oatmeal costs 84s. per 280 lbs., and that even at this figure oatmeal millers cannot work at a profit; if he can say what steps he proposes to take to assist the oatmeal-milling industry; and when these steps 516W will be taken, as the oatmeal millers have already suffered financially to a dangerous point?
Mr. ROBERTSThe figures given by the hon. Member are approximately correct. I understand that, owing to recent large arrivals, American oatmeal is selling at the present moment at prices substantially below that at which further importations could be effected; but it is anticipated that this position is only temporary. In any case, however, I am afraid that, in view of the present financial position of the country, I do not feel that I should be justified in asking the Cabinet to sanction a subsidy for oatmeal.