§ Captain CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Prime Minister if it is the wish of the Government that the area of wheat and oats, as well as the head of cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry, in the United Kingdom shall be increased in the year 1916; and whether this wish is founded upon the anticipated future requirements of the country after taking into account the probable imports of like produce from other countries?
§ Mr. ACLANDYes, Sir; the desire of the Government to secure a greater production of the articles mentioned in the first part of the question has been frequently explained during recent weeks by the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries in speeches in the country. The primary object of the Government in the matter is to restrict the need of importation owing to the financial position which has been caused by the War