§ Mr. CAUTLEYasked the Food Controller whether it is by his order that farmers are not to be supplied with maize unless they buy foreign imported beans at the same time; whether such an order is contrary to the regulations made under the Defence of the Realm Act; and under what powers does he make such an order?
§ Mr. McCURDYIn view of the surplus stock of beans and the deficit of maize, beans are now being sold for feeding in conjunction with maize in the proportion of 10 per cent. and 90 per cent. This decision was made in order to economise maize; but it is hoped that the increasing supplies of this cereal together with the larger supplies of home-grown oats will shortly make a continuance of this policy unnecessary. The Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies is authorised under Royal572W Warrant to sell and control the delivery of maize and all pulses and substitutes therefore, and generally to take such steps as may seem desirable for maintaining supplies.