§ 44. Mr. Godberasked the Minister of Food how much wheat was grown in the United Kingdom, and what proportion was used for flour milling, in the years 1938–39 and 1953–54, respectively.
Dr. HillThe figures for the 1938–39 season are not separately available. The average production of the seasons 1936–37 to 1938–39 was 1,651,000 tons. Of this, 44 per cent. was used for flour milling. The corresponding figures for the 1953–54 season are 2,664,000 tons and 63 per cent.
§ Mr. GodberWould not my hon. Friend agree that it is very encouraging that there should be this large increase? Would he not also agree that it is very important from the point of view of balance of payments that we should maintain and, if possible. increase the acreage?
Dr. HillThe figures are encouraging and are due in no small part to the co-operation of the millers in the last full year.