asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if any approach has been made to him by millers to revise the prices of oatmeal and flakemeal; if it is proposed to increase the prices of these commodities; and further, why these commodities are in short supply at present.

It is not proposed to increase the maximum prices of oatmeal and flakemeal. The present maximum prices are based on an average price for oats of 38/- per barrel. Arrangements are being made to enable millers to obtain oats at a price which will avoid any necessity to increase the prices of these commodities.

Is the Minister aware of the fact that oats are being held back in anticipation of a rise in the price of oatmeal and will the Minister's Department take steps to ensure that those millers who engage in the milling of oats will have adequate supplies of oats released to them so that there will be oatmeal available? The oats are being held back in anticipation of a price increase.

The decision which the Minister has taken in the matter has been communicated to the millers and arrangements to ensure that they will continue to supply oatmeal at the present maximum price are under discussion at the moment.