§ 42. Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Agriculture what amount of quota subsidy has been or will be paid to wheat-growing farmers during the current financial year; and the number of registered wheat-growing farmers and the total number who are qualified to receive the subsidy?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Major Elliot)I am informed by the Wheat Commission that approximately £1,250,000 will be paid to registered growers at the end of December as an advance on account of the deficiency payment for the present cereal year. It is 1070 not possible for the Wheat Commission to estimate, at the present time, what further sum may be paid, by way of an advance, before the end of the current financial year. The number of registered growers is at present 86,645; this figure is, however, subject to revision. All registered growers who sell millable wheat may qualify to receive the deficiency payment.