HC Deb 23 January 1963 vol 670 cc56-7
8. Mr. Renton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of the millers' grist consisted of home-grown wheat in each of the last five months of 1962; and how these proportions compare with those during the last five months of 1961.

Mr. Soames

With permission, I will circulate this information, which is a table of figures, in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Renton

Meanwhile, would my right hon. Friend say whether the millers are using a larger proportion of homegrown wheat in the grist during these winter months? Will he bear in mind that, because of the very large homegrown crop, he will have to meet an enormous bill for deficiency payments unless the millers can help him all they can?

Mr. Soames

There is precious little difference between the last five months of 1962 and the last five months of 1961—about 29 per cent. in 1962 compared with 30 per cent. in 1961. However, in November and December the proportion was higher last year than it was the year before. The National Association of British and Irish Millers has undertaken on behalf of the millers to endeavour to use at least 1¼ million tons of home-grown wheat in the grist and to exceed that target if possible. The millers are well aware of the obligations which rest upon them.

Following are the figures:

PERCENTAGE OF HOME-GROWN IN WHEAT MILLED
— 1962 1961
August … … 18.5 24.0
September … … 26.1 31.5
October … … 32.9 33.9
November … … 34.3 33.3
December … … 33.8 28.4