HC Deb 25 June 1956 vol 555 c15
22. Mr. Dye

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of deficiency payments made to wheat growers in each of the accounting periods so far for the 1955 wheat crop; and what is the latest average market price for home-grown wheat.

Mr. Amory

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

Mr. Dye

Will those figures reveal the fact that the longer the farmer keeps his wheat on the farm the less is the amount of subsidy he receives, and that those who dump it on the market immediately after harvest get the biggest subsidy?

Mr. Amory

No, I do not think so. I think I can say that the marketing of the wheat crop over the past twelve months has proceeded very smoothly indeed and in a way favourable to the producer and to the user.

Following is the reply:

Deficiency payments made up to 23rd June in respect of the four accounting periods from 1st July, 1955, to 30th April, 1956, are as follows:

£
Period 1–1st July-30th September 1955 4,360,050
Period 2–1st October-30th November, 1955 4,379,266
Period 3–1st December, 1955–29th February, 1956 4,653,239
Period 4–1st March-30th April, 1956 2,628,008
16,020,563

The average market price for home grown wheat for the week ended 16th June, as ascertained under the Corn Returns Act, 1882, was 27s. 7d. per cwt.