asked the Minister of Agriculture if there is any existing Commission or other body sitting at the instance of the Government which can consider, along with its present work, the high cost of fertilisers and feeding stuffs for the purpose of discovering how these could be reduced; and, if not, whether he will order an inquiry into this most important matter?

The possibility of reducing the cost of fertilisers and feeding stuffs does not come within the scope of the terms of reference of either of the two bodies which have been set up to inquire into agricultural questions. The cost of fertilisers and feeding stuffs at present is not, on the average, more than 50 per cent. above pre-War prices, and I do not think that the increase is such as calls for a special inquiry.