§ 23. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture if he can now give an estimate of the increased acreage in Great Britain of grain and other tillage crops for this year's harvest resulting from the ploughing of grassland under the grant scheme.
§ Sir T. DugdaleI regret that it is not yet possible to give the estimate the hon. Member desires, but the latest returns indicate that there are good prospects of obtaining a substantial additional acreage of tillage crops in 1953 in areas not affected by coastal floods.
§ Mr. HurdWill my right hon. Friend take the earliest possible opportunity of publishing an estimate, particularly of the grain acreage, so that importers and the whole grain trade may know how much they will need to balance the supply of feedingstuffs for next winter?
§ Sir T. DugdaleYes, Sir. As at present advised, I do not think it will be possible to give a reasonably firm estimate until we have received the returns from the county committees, which will be about the middle of June.
§ Mr. DonnellyWhen the right hon. Gentleman is publishing the figures, could he say, at the same time, how much has been paid out in grants?
§ Sir T. DugdalePerhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a Question down in due course.