§ Mr. MACLEODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will place upon the Table of the House the agreement entered into between the Food Controller on behalf of the Government and the British Farina Mills, Limited, or a copy, and state where the agreement or a copy can be seen by the public; whether he is aware of any person, firm, or company, other than the British Farina Mills, Limited, who is experienced in the manufacture of farina from potatoes and desirous of carrying on such manufacture; whether it is the intention of the Government to facilitate or prevent their doing so; whether it is the intention of the Government that the British Farina Mills, Limited, should have a monopoly in the manufacture of farina from potatoes; if so, whether he will state the reason; whether he is aware that farina is essential to the textile industries and has in the past been imported in considerable quantities from abroad; and whether he will consider the desirability of giving encouragement to experienced manufacturers in this country to carry on the manufacture?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am sending the hon. Member a copy of the agreement, which does not appear to be of any considerable public interest. I am aware that farina is of great importance to the textile industry, and that its substitution for rice and maize starch will effect a saving of cereals. According to present estimates, the four factories which the British Farina Mills, Limited, have been authorised to erect in Great Britain, together with the factory under direct departmental control, will be sufficient to absorb the entire surplus of next season's crop after due provision has been made for the manufacture of potato flour. In Ireland it is proposed to set up two farina factories under entirely separate management, and so soon as further supplies appear to be forthcoming in any part of the United Kingdom I shall be glad to negotiate with suitable persons for the establishment of additional factories. There is no question of granting the British Farina Mills, Limited, any monopoly. It has secured the first plant merely because it was in a position to satisfy the Government that it possessed 1589W the necessary experience and resources at a time when no other parties could be found who were able and walling to undertake the manufacture of farina on terms which the Government could accept.