Sir F. HALLasked the Food Controller if the flour-milling industry is at present controlled and subsidised; if so, to what extent; if the oat-milling industry at home or in neutral countries or in the Colonies is subsidised in any form; if so, will he give the particulars; and if he will state the grounds on which the policy adopted in this matter is based, having regard to the serious manner in which the oat-milling industry is crippled under the arrangements now obtaining?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe flour-milling industry is fully controlled and subsidised sufficiently to enable bakers to produce the 9d. quartern loaf. The oat-milling industry is not controlled at home or in the Colonies, or, to the best of the Food Controller's information, in neutral countries. The Food Controller has, however, fixed a maximum retail price for oatmeal in the United Kingdom, according to which a reasonable profit is ensured to all parties concerned.