§ Mr. WASONasked the Secretary for Scotland if, when the Board of Agriculture compelled farmers to cultivate more land than they were accustomed doing or could profitably do, it was understood that the Government guaranteed £17 10s. per ton for oats; and, in view of the depreciation that has taken place, if he will state whether such a guarantee was given or not?
§ Mr. MUNRONo price for oats other than that stated in Part I. of the Corn Production Act, 1917, was guaranteed by the Government for the 1918 crop. In issuing compulsory Orders for extended cultivation, of which relatively very few were required in Scotland, the Board of Agriculture for Scotland had in view not any price at which the oats might be sold, but the national importance of producing the greatest possible quantity of food.