Wheat

HC Deb 20 June 1961 vol 642 cc1161-2

21. Mr. Stodart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much wheat of the 1960 crop remains to be moved off farms in Scotland; and how this compares with the situation in the middle of June last year.

Mr. Leburn

Certificates of sale up to 10th June account for 110,000 tons, which is some 26,000 tons less than the estimated total saleable production. The comparable figure at the same time last year was 21,000 tons. Certificates of sale, however, may be submitted up to four weeks after sale and delivery, and these figures will overstate the present position of farm stocks.

Mr. Stodart

Is my hon. Friend aware that the large imports of grain, which are a feature of this summer and were not a feature of last summer, are making it well-nigh impossible to move wheat off farms in Scotland at the moment? Is he also aware of the anxieties farmers feel about the low prices being received, which will add to the deficiency payments and be a burden on the taxpayer in the future?

Mr. Leburn

I am well aware of these facts, but I do not think that they come into consideration in this Question.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the Under-Secretary aware that these farmers are greatly concerned about what is likely to happen to them if we join the Common Market—[An HON. MEMBER: "Oh."] Do I understand that groan from an hon. Member opposite as agreeing to that point of view?

Mr. Speaker

It is possible that the hon. Member may have a lawful opportunity to discuss that matter.

27. Mr. Stodart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the cost of the deficiency payments on the 1961 wheat crop, assuming a similar yield per acre to that estimated in 1960, if the present price of £15 per ton persists.

Mr. Leburn

If the average United Kingdom market price per ton for the 1961 wheat crop were £15 throughout the 1961–62 cereal year the cost of wheat deficiency payments in Scotland would be some £1,650,000.

Mr. Stodart

Can my hon. Friend confirm that that increase, if it took place, would be a very substantial one compared with that of last year? Would it be 100 per cent. or 50 per cent., or 75 per cent.? If I was out of order in asking my hon. Friend on my last Question about the anxiety of farmers, would he take it at this stage that there is considerable anxiety over what might be a tremendous burden on the Exchequer, which is reflected in the concern on the face of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor?

Mr. Leburn

I certainly understand the anxiety. As to the figure, the estimate for the current year is £1,025,000.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the replies affecting farmers, I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter at the earliest opportunity.

Mr. Speaker

Would the hon. Member be a little more precise so that we may know how the rule may work? To which Question and Answer does the hon. Member relate his notice?

Mr. Hughes

To the last.