HC Deb 07 July 1919 vol 117 cc1379-80
29. Captain Sir B. STANIER

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he can now say what price has been guaranteed for rye corn of the 1919 crop?

Colonel SANDERS

It has been decided to apply the method of the Corn Production Act to the price of rye, as follows: The sum payable in respect of each acre will be a sum equal to three and a half times the difference between the average price and the minimum price of 71s. 11d. per quarter of 480 lbs. The average price for rye produced in 1919 shall be taken to be the average price for the seven months September-March, as computed and declared by the following persons, or a majority of them, namely, the presidents of the London and Liverpool Corn Trade Association, a sheriff appointed by the Secretary for Scotland, a representative of the corn trade in Ireland appointed by the Chief Secretary, and a person appointed by the Treasury. This guarantee will only apply to the acreage of rye that is harvested for grain.

Captain BENN

What will be the cost of this subsidy to the public Exchequer?

Colonel SANDERS

I must ask for notice of that.

Sir B. STANIER

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman be able to gather what the figure is that these gentlemen are going to find?

Colonel SANDERS

I must ask for notice of that question.