HC Deb 14 March 1955 vol 538 cc97-8W
52. Mr. Godber

asked the Minister of Food what proportion of the home-grown wheat crop harvested in 1954 has been taken up so far by processors; and the position at the same date in the 1953–54 season.

Dr. Hill

In the six months ended 5th February, 1955, processors making returns to my Department took up 1,188,000 tons of home-grown wheat, representing about 43 per cent. of the 1954 crop. In the corresponding period of last season they took up 953,000 tons, representing about 36 per cent. of the crop.

53. Mr. Godber

asked the Minister of Food what proportion of the 1953 crop of home-grown barley was taken up by processors; and what evidence he has so far on uptake from the 1954 crop by processors.

Dr. Hill

Processors making returns to my Department took up 1,655,000 tons of home-grown barley from the 1953 crop, representing about 66 per cent. of the crop. In the six months ended 5th February, 1955, the same processors have taken up 1,280,000 tons, or about 57 per cent. of the 1954 crop.

54. Mr. Godber

asked the Minister of Food what proportion of the intake of wheat, barley, and oats by processors since the 1954 crops were harvested has been home-grown grain; and the corresponding proportion during the 1953–54 season.

Dr. Hill

45 per cent. of the intake of wheat, barley and oats in the six months ended 5th February, 1955, by processors making returns to my Department was home-grown grain. The corresponding figure for the whole of the 1953–54 season was 39 per cent.