HC Deb 10 March 1920 vol 126 cc1287-8W
Mr. E. WOOD

asked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the dissatisfaction caused in certain areas by the failure of acting Government selling agents, on behalf of the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies, to secure an equitable allocation of business in connection with the importation of wheat to all brokers holding licences in such areas; and whether he will take steps to remedy this grievance?

Mr. McCURDY

I have no knowledge of the existence of any dissatisfaction of the nature suggested, but if the hon. and gallant Member will supply me with more detailed information, the matter will be investigated.

Mr. LANE-FOX

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the Ministry have been receiving many representations that a maximum price of 76s. per quarter for wheat of the 1920 crop, which is admittedly much below the cost of production and much below the price paid to the foreign grower of wheat, will have a disastrous effect on wheat-growing in the United Kingdom, both as regards the sowing of spring wheat now and the fallowing of land this summer for next year's wheat crop; and whether, under the circumstances, he can modify the present scheme and extend the provisions as to the maximum price of wheat of the 1921 crop to the 1920 crop as well?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

Numerous representations have been received to the effect stated in my hon. Friend's question, but I cannot at present add anything to the announcement which has been made.

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether there is anything to prevent farmers keeping last year's wheat until they can obtain the benefit of the 1921 wheat prices?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

The answer is in the negative.