HC Deb 31 May 1954 vol 528 cc889-90
36. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Food under what authority he issued leaflet CDP/L1.

Dr. Hill

No specific authority is needed for the issue of a leaflet explaining to producers a scheme made under statutory powers.

Sir W. Smithers

May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether he or his Minister studied this form of instructions, which it must take hours to fill up? May I ask him, in view of section 4 of the instructions, what authority he has to decide what is bad husbandry and who acts for him? This is worse than the Ministry of Agriculture. Is it possible to appeal to a traditional court of English law if a man does not receive the payment because of alleged bad husbandry?

Dr. Hill

The Question relates to a leaflet explaining the deficiency payments scheme. I suggest that my hon. Friend should read the leaflet, when he might be better informed about the scheme.

37 and 38. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Food (1) how many applications for cereals deficiency were received by 31st May, 1954; and how many of these applications were in respect of areas in excess of 100 acres and less than 100 acres respectively;

(2) how many leaflets CDP/L1 have been printed and circulated; the cost to the taxpayer; and how many replies have been received.

Dr. Hill

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Sir W. Smithers

If it was not out of order, I should like to repeat my supplementary question to Question No. 36.

Following is the information:

600,000 leaflets CDP/L.1 were printed. About 500,000 copies have so far been circulated with the registration and claim forms to all occupiers of agricultural holdings, and to other interested persons throughout Great Britain. The estimated cost of printing and distributing the leaflet was £1,040.

About 160,000 applications for registration and claims for deficiency payments on oats, barley and mixed corn have so far been received. In addition about 30,000 growers have returned their forms indicating that they are not growing cereals this year. Detailed information about the breakdown of cereal acreages will not be available for some time.