§ Sir L. Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that stocks of agricultural fertilisers in this country are normally unduly low in May, June, and July each year; and what steps have been taken by his Department, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, to ensure that at least 12 months' supplies of the necessary fertilisers will be available in the country at any period of the year henceforward?
§ Mr. CrossI am aware that stocks of fertilisers are normally at their lowest at late spring and early summer. Authority was obtained in the Essential Commodities Reserves Act to accumulate reserves 2907W of certain commodities. This power has been used in regard to a number of them, including fertilisers and raw materials therefor, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that it would be undesirable to disclose details.