HC Deb 14 February 1940 vol 357 c789

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

3.48 p.m.

Mr. A. V. Alexander

I should like to ask the Minister whether he can give some clarification of the figures with regard to the administration of the standard price for wheat? A varying amount was paid in respect of the wheat subsidy before the arrangement outlined in the Bill, and in the Financial Memorandum to the Bill there is an estimated figure of the increased cost. Last week the Minister of Food told us that the total cost to the Treasury of keeping the price of bread stable is £26,000,000. Can the Minister give us a figure showing what it is estimated will be paid to the farmers for home-produced wheat in order to bring it up to the standard price?

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville)

I was not given notice of this question, and I am afraid I cannot give the right hon. Gentleman a figure now, but I will endeavour to give it at a later stage of the Bill.

Question put, and agreed to.

Clause 3 ordered to stand part of the Bill.