§ 24. Mr. Rentonasked the Minister of Food what percentage of home-grown wheat went into the millers' grists in the months of December, 1951, 1952 and 1953, respectively.
§ The Minister of Food (Major Lloyd George)The figures are 32.3 per cent., 26.8 per cent. and 29.3 per cent., respectively.
§ Mr. RentonCan my right hon. and gallant Friend explain why, if I have followed his figures correctly, in a year when this country has produced more wheat than ever before, less home-grown wheat has been used than two years previously?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeAs a matter of fact, more was used than in the previous year. These figures are very much higher than the pre-war figures. The millers are now free to use what grist they like. We owe a great deal to them. They came to an understanding to take 1¼ million tons of home-grown wheat. They have fulfilled their undertaking in that respect, and have now promised to take another 250,000 tons if they can.