HC Deb 24 March 1930 vol 237 cc38-9
77. Mr. THORNE

asked the Minister of Agriculture, with regard to the demand for financial assistance from the State to guarantee a price of 55s. a quarter for all home-grown wheat, what would be the extra cost in view of the fact that the present selling price of wheat is 38s. per quarter; and what would be the increase on the selling price of a 4-1b. loaf in London if such demand was granted?

Mr. N. BUXTON

The cost of guaranteeing the difference between 38s. and 55s. per quarter (504 1bs.) for the whole of last year's British wheat crop would be £5,000,000 or £3,750,000 in the case of the proportion of the crop estimated to be sold off farms. There is no direct relation between a State subsidy and the selling price of the loaf.