HC Deb 10 March 1932 vol 262 cc1975-6
68. Viscountess ASTOR

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in fixing the guaranteed price of wheat at 45s. in the Wheat Bill, he has aimed at giving a fair profit to those who grow wheat in this country at the cheapest cost of production or at the average cost of production?

Sir J. GILMOUR

In fixing the standard price of 10s. per cwt. careful consideration was given to all available information concerning costs of production: that figure was selected as likely to afford a measure of assistance to growers of wheat generally who are faced with the present abnormal conditions and without encouraging an extension of the cultivation of wheat to unsuitable land.

Viscountess ASTOR

Does the sight hon. Gentleman think that paying a subsidy for wheat will not have the effect of encouraging farmers to grow wheat who never yet have grown it and never will grow it economically?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The Noble Lady must not assume anything of the kind.

Captain P. MACDONALD

Is it not a fact that no subsidy for wheat is proposed and that none is contemplated?

Viscountess ASTOR

Oh!

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

May I ask what is the price of the Russian wheat which comes here?

Viscountess ASTOR

You will be buying it.