HC Deb 30 November 1916 vol 88 c521W
Mr. FITZPATRICK

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to encourage farmers in Ireland to cultivate an increased acreage of wheat and oat crops, he will consider the advisability of the Government guaranteeing a minimum price for such cereals over a given fixed period?

Mr. DUKE

As to wheat, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture to the hon. Member for the Ludlow Division of Shropshire on the 12th and 18th October, and to the hon. Member for Liverpool (Kirkdale) on the 27th November. As to oats, the requirements of the Army appear to furnish a practical guarantee. To what extent it should be embodied in actual contracts is a matter for the military authorities.

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