asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state why it was decided to import Canadian oats into this country; and if any steps were taken to prevent this importation having an adverse effect on the price paid for oats to home producers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Canadian Oats.
For some time past it has been impossible in many places to purchase oatmeal as stocks manufactured from the 1944 oats crop were exhausted. For several months before the harvest there was also a great scarcity of oats for feeding and any supplies obtainable had to be purchased at prices which were excessive having regard to the prices which feeders are getting for their products.
The area under oats in 1945 is less than that of the previous year by more than 100,000 acres and it is doubtful whether the yield per acre will be any higher. Consequently it may be anticipated that oats will be even more scarce in the coming months than in the previous season unless home production of cereals can be supplemented by imported feeding stuffs. There is no immediate prospect of supplies of maize or other feeding stuffs which were imported in large quantities before the emergency, becoming available to any extent. To avert a serious shortage the opportunity was taken of securing a quantity of oats which it was possible to purchase at a price which enabled provision to be made for a supply of oatmeal for human consumption during the coming winter at prices somewhat higher than those ruling last year. I do not think growers can complain that reasonably attractive prices are not now being obtained for home-grown oats.
Were any precautions taken to ensure that the importation would not have an adverse effect upon the price paid to the producer?
For one thing, the oatmeal millers are taking all the home-grown oats offered to them, at a fair price.