§ 29. Mr. GLANVILLEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the amount which has been paid to millers in respect of the purchase of British wheat; and by what statutory authority these payments are made?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI have been asked to reply. The amount paid to millers, up to and including the 18th May in respect of home-grown wheat ground by them, is £782,006 7s. 7d. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture, on this point on the 19th April last.
§ Earl WINTERTONIs it not a fact that had the farmers enjoyed a free market they would have received £4,000,000 to the end of December last year more than they did receive?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI am not prepared to accept that precise figure, but certainly they would have received a great deal.