§ 9. Mr. Arthur Jonesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to facilitate intervention buying of cereals in the event of the United Kingdom's prices falling below intervention prices in the coming harvest.
Mr. PearlSales into intervention are governed by Community rules. It is open to owners of wheat and barley at any time to offer their grain for sale into intervention and, if the conditions are satisfied, it will be bought at the appropriate price.
§ Mr. JonesI am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman. Is he able to predict the future trend of grain prices, in view of harvest predictions in the Northern Hemisphere? Is he further able to give any estimate of the likely yields of this year's harvest in the home market?
Mr. PearlThere are indications that this year's harvest will not reach the previous figures, but I cannot give any forecasts. I shall look at this matter carefully and get in touch with the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. CorbettIf we come to intervention buying after this harvest, will my right hon. Friend consider, in the light of the quality of the grain produced, arguing a case for a special lower category in feeding wheats?
Mr. PearlThis matter came up the other day in the Community, but I have not made up my mind on it. There are arguments for and against. I shall watch the position carefully.