Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the difficulties experienced in the poultry industry in obtaining feeding supplies; and whether, in view of the ruin which may result to thousands of poultry farmers, he will take steps to secure a fairer allocation of the available supplies of feeding-stuffs?
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§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI am aware of the difficulty mentioned by the hon. Member and would refer him to the reply that I gave on 18th January last to my hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge (Sir A. Baillie) and other Members.
§ Sir A. Maitlandasked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is the decision of His Majesty's Government that imports of poultry feeding-stuffs are to be substantially reduced; and what arrangements have been made to improve the home supplies?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThe reasons that have led to a reduction in imports of feeding-stuffs for livestock, including poultry, were set out in the announcement issued on 22nd November last by the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself. I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend. Every effort is being made to encourage an increased production of crops for stock feeding as part of the food production campaign, which includes the provision of grants of £2 per acre for ploughing up grassland.