§ Mr. R. McNEILLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether it is the policy of the Government to encourage the restoration of the acreage under hops to the pre-wr standard; whether he is aware that the present uncertainty as to the Government's intentions makes it impossible for farmers to plant a crop that takes several years before yielding any return; and whether he can give an assurance that the control of hops will be continued for not less than five years; in order to affor the necessary minimum of security to farmers for increasing the hop acreage?
§ Colonel SANDERSUnder the provisions of the imports and Exports Regulation Bill it is proposed to authorise the prohibition of the importation of hops except under licence for a period of four years, in order to allow the growers of hops an opportunity of reinstating the crop and of bringing into bearing again the area which was compulsorily reduced during the War. The control of dealings in hops which is exercised by the Hop Controller depends upon the powers enjoyed by the Food Controller. Under the 455W provisions of the War Emergency Laws (Continuance) Bill now before the House, it is proposed that this power shall be continued for a period of one year after the termination of the War.