§ Mr. Butcherasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware of the shortage of feeding-stuffs in the county district of Holland. Lincolnshire; and whether he can take steps to assist the pig and poultry keepers and their suppliers?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe shortage of feeding-stuffs, especially barley and maize, which is being experienced in most areas of the country at the present time is due to reductions in imports consequent upon the adjustment of shipping programmes to war-time conditions and the heavy demand for cargo space for munitions and other essential war materials. It must be anticipated that these factors will continue to operate in some degree.
My Department has made arrangements for the supplies available to be allocated to merchants upon the basis of their prewar turnover, and I am taking steps to verify that the Holland district of Lincolnshire is receiving its proper share on this basis.