§ 77. Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Agriculture, with regard to the demand 39 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. BUXTONThe 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.