HC Deb 02 May 1940 vol 360 c890
50. Mr. John Morgan

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the average output per acre of wheat, oats and barley, respectively, for the season ended 1939, or nearest year?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

The average yields of wheat, oats and barley in the United Kingdom in 1939 are estimated at 19.6, 16.5 and 17.6 cwt. per acre respectively.

Mr. Morgan

Why was it given out that the ploughing up of 2,000,000 acres would produce 2,000,000 tons if from the existing acreage we get only 18 cwt. of wheat per acre?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

There is not only the wheat; there are the barley and oats.

Mr. Morgan

But you cannot grow more than 18 cwt. of grain on one acre.