§ Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the success of the wheat-conditioning factory established near Grantham, in Lincolnshire; and whether he will consider the erection of similar factories in other agricultural centres throughout the country?
Mr. GUINNESSThe factory to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers is a provender mill in which a small drying plant has been installed. I am aware that 700 to 800 quarters of grain have been successfully treated at this centre during the present season, but apart from the fact that the mill is owned and operated by a farmer, there is nothing unique in either the plant or the practice as far as this country is concerned. It will be appreciated that the question of whether it is a business proposition to erect special plant for the collective cleaning, drying, grading and storing by farmers, of their cereal crops is one of some complexity, and I propose to take early steps to ascertain the views of various interests concerned. The general question will also receive attention in the Report now being prepared in my Department on the marketing of cereals in England and Wales.