§ Lord FERMOYasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state the cost to the State of guaranteeing the price of wheat grown in this country at 60s. as compared with the present price; and what additional number of agricultural labourers such a policy would employ?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe difference between the present price of wheat and 60s. is 21s. 9d. per quarter (504 lbs.), and the cost of guaranteeing such a price for that part of the 1929 crop estimated to be sold off farms in Great Britain would be £4,836,000. If the guarantee were applied to the whole crop the cost would be £6,424,000. I am unable to estimate the effect on agricultural employment of the adoption of such a policy.