§ 44. Mr. LAMBERTasked the Food Controller what is the price paid to the growers of wheat in the United States and in Canada by the purchasers on behalf of the British Government; and what is the price paid to the British growers of wheat?
The MINISTER of FOOD (Mr. Roberts)The British Government buys wheat in the United States of America and in Canada from the agents of the Government of the exporting country at prices covering delivery at the seaboard. The prices paid in the United States are based on the guarantee in respect of the 1919 crop given by the, United States Government, and although it is not possible to state precisely the sum which the individual producer receives it is believed that it averages for the whole country 2 dollars per bushel; which at the rate of exchange prevailing when the guarantee was given is equivalent to 67s. 2d. per 480 Ibs.
The Canadian Government has guaranteed to its farmers a minimum price for the 1919 crop, and it is understood that the present seaboard prices secure for Canadian producers an average return approximately equal to that received by American producers.
The British Government have guaranteed for the 1919 home crop a minimum average of 71s. 11d. per 480 Ibs., while the average price to-day as published in the "London Gazette" is 73s. Id.