HC Deb 08 May 1950 vol 475 cc26-7W
131. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture what proportion of the feedingstuff coupons issued by the county agricultural executive committees, are allocated through the committees' discretionary reserves; and what is the proportion of the total issue to farmers and others which is not being taken up at the present time.

Mr. G. Brown

For the 12 months ending 31st March, 1950, approximately 7½ per cent. of the coupon issue was from the discretionary reserves. Figures to date suggest that the number of coupons cashed in the three months January to March was slightly in excess of the number issued for that period. Coupons remain valid for a period of two months, and the excess would be accounted for by December coupons being cashed in January. No doubt the bulk of the March coupons were cashed during the month in view of the increase in prices on 1st April.