§ 4. Mr. Wigginasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the cost of growing an average acre of barley in 1964 and in 1968, respectively; and, at average yield and price, what was the return in those two years.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Mackie)We have not the material to make a reliable comparison of the costs of growing barley in these two years, but the average return per acre in the United Kingdom was about £38 6s. 0d. in 1964 and £34 10s. 0d. in 1968.
§ Mr. WigginI am surprised that figures are not available to the Minister. Will he hear in mind in the current Price Review that, taking the interchangeability of the various sections of the agricultural community with a profitable cereal section, this percolates throughout the industry?
§ Mr. MackieI will consider what the hon. Member has said, but I should like him to bear in mind that he took two 1233 extraordinary years, the very good one of 1964 and the very bad one of 1968. I have repeatedly warned his hon. and right hon. Friends on the Front Bench opposite that they continually do this. They should remember, as we say in Scotland, that "As the old cock crows the young one learns."