asked the Minister of Agriculture when he expects to be able to revise the 1939 basis of rationing feedingstuffs to commercial pig and poultry farmers, so as to provide additional feedingstuffs for those who undertake to put the whole of their output of fat pigs and eggs under contracts recognised by the Ministry of Food.

While I appreciate the point of the hon. Member's Question, present supplies of feedingstuffs are still not enough to provide commercial rations for more than one-fifth of the number of pigs and poultry registered as having been kept on individual holdings in 1939 or 1940, less a small deduction proportionate to the acreage of the holding. As soon as there is a substantial increase in the supply of feedingstuffs, I shall be ready to reexamine the basis of the rationing scheme.

Can the Minister give an assurance that the present rations will be maintained this winter, and that by next spring, when the rearing season comes, he will be able to give an increase?

I am not at all sure about any increases, but I am hopeful that we shall carry through the winter rationing period.

Mr. De la Bère:

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Minister of Food to import more feedingstuffs?

Is the difficulty availability, or finance?

It is availability.