HC Deb 23 June 1958 vol 590 cc1-2
1. Sir I. Fraser

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is yet able to make any forecast of the prospects for this year's harvest.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Hare)

It is too early to form any estimates of this year's harvest. The latest reports for England and Wales, made at 1st June, showed that cereal and pulse crops were recovering from the effects of the cold winds which had retarded their growth, and were making good progress. Hay yields were expected to be about average.

The earliest forecasts as to the probable level of cereal and pulse crop yields will be obtained at 1st July, and forecasts for root crops will be obtained at 1st August.