HC Deb 13 February 1961 vol 634 cc908-9
10. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that, owing to weather and other conditions, the barley harvest this year is likely to be as much as 1 million tons more than last year's harvest, and that the price paid to the farmer will in consequence be so low that the Exchequer will be faced with a deficiency payment of between £30 and £40 million; and what action he is taking in anticipation of this.

Mr. Soames

It is too early to forecast with confidence the acreage, the yield, or the market price, and therefore the deficiency payment, for barley of the 1961 harvest. But a million tons more barley would require a combination of an unprecedented increase in acreage and a very high if not record yield. Discussions on barley marketing are taking place between the Agriculture Departments, the farmers' unions and the trades concerned.

Mr. de Freitas

Even if the figure is 50 per cent. out, is not the position obviously serious enough to warrant the Minister taking some steps, in the interests of all our people, to discourage the sowing of barley in the spring and also to hasten the calling of an international conference on barley exports?

Mr. Soames

We had a Question relating to barley exports last week, and I have nothing further to add to what I said in my Answer. As to the discouragement of barley sowing, there is still a lot of winter wheat being put in, and I cannot tell what the acreage is likely to be.

Mr. Stodart

Whether or not we have this greatly increased acreage, is my right hon. Friend aware of the great benefits, both to producers and taxpayers, which would result from an incentive being given to keep barley off the market at harvest time, when it depresses the price? Will my right hon. Friend consider extending the principle of the wheat marketing system to barley and oats?

Mr. Soames

It is a difficult time of year for me to give a categorical reply to that suggestion. I can only repeat that discussions on the matter are taking place at the moment.