23. Sir R. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether he is now able to make a provisional and approximate estimate of the total cost to the Exchequer for a period of 12 months in connection with the actual prices secured for corn and livestock, and the minimum prices which the Government have guaranteed.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Charles Hill)From the beginning of July, 1954, when the deficiency payments schemes come into operation, to the end of the current financial year the cost is estimated at £38.7 million and £34.7 million for cereals and livestock, respectively.