§ Mr. F. M. Bennettasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the Wheat Deficiency Payment will be for the period from 1st July to 30th September, 1957; and when it will be paid.
Mr. AmoryThe ascertained average price for about 13 million cwt. of millable wheat dispatched on delivery during the first accounting period (1st July to 30th September, 1957) of the cereal year 1957–58 is 18s. 4.4d. per cwt. The standard price for the period is 26s. 1d. per cwt. and the deficiency payment will, therefore, be 7s. 8.6d. per cwt. (£7 14s. 4d. per ton). In addition, approximately 0.6 million cwt. of wheat brought up to millable standard after sale will be included in the payment.
Except for a few certificates which are under query, the total payment of £5.25 million to about 34,000 growers will begin at once and will be completed by the end of November.