§ 12. Sir H. Harrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made in increasing the proportion of home-grown wheat in flour.
§ Mr. HoyThe usage of home-grown wheat in flour production has increased over recent years, but the quantity used in any year varies considerably with the availability of regular supplies and particularly with the quality of the crop.
§ Sir H. HarrisonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are some very interesting experiments going on with new types of machinery using a considerable additional percentage of English-grown wheat, and, so far as I understand it, the keeping quality of the flour is good. Will he watch the situation carefully?
§ Mr. HoyI can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that we are looking carefully at the new developments which are taking place. I am sure that he will 1693 be pleased with the answer which I gave that the usage is increasing.
§ 13. Sir H. Harrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made in growing Maris Widgeon wheat; and whether he will consider paying an increased guaranteed price for it.
§ Mr. HoyI understand that the production of this comparatively new variety is increasing and that it may now represent 1 to 2 per cent. of the total winter wheat acreage. The answer to the second part of the question is, "No sir".
§ Sir H. HarrisonMay I suggest to the hon. Gentleman that he watches this development carefully, particularly with the prospect of our entering the Common Market?