HC Deb 14 December 1916 vol 88 cc911-2W
Mr. H. HOPE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will take steps to convene a joint meeting of representatives of the milk producers and of the makers and importers of feeding stuffs, with the object of effecting means for restricting any further rise in the price of feeding stuffs, so that milk production can be maintained at the present fixed prices?

Mr. ACLAND

I do not think that the method suggested by my hon. Friend for regulating prices of feeding stuffs is practicable in view of the large and varied interests involved. Importers of maize and other cereals, millers, oil cake and meal manufacturers and others would be concerned, and the conditions affecting the cost of the commodities differ widely. But my hon. Friend may be assured that the Department realises the urgent importance of the matter, and are giving it their most careful attention.