§ Mr. G. Williamsasked the Minister of Agriculture if he can estimate the amount of home-grown barley now held by farmers owing to lack of demand; what is his policy for disposing of this surplus; and, in view of the fact that it is one of the products covered by the Government guarantee, whether he will consult with the Minister of Food with a view to Government purchase of the surplus and re-sale for feeding to live stock.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI can give no estimate of the amount of home-grown barley now held on farms but intended ultimately for sale. Farmers should have no difficulty in disposing of their barley. Under the Agriculture Act, 1947, there is a guaranteed market for all barley of milling quality, and the Ministry of Food will purchase through approved buyers all millable or potentially millable barley for which an alternative outlet cannot be found, at a price not lower than the minimum price laid down for these grades. Such purchases are added to the pool of ration feedingstuffs.