§ Colonel Ropnerasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes to raise the price of wheat or increase the acreage grant in respect of wheat; and whether he will make an immediate announcement in order to ensure that an increased quantity of wheat is sown during the next few weeks.
§ Mr. CollickUnder the arrangement made with the farmers' unions at the review of prices in February, 1945, the acreage payment for wheat was reduced when my right hon. Friend's predecessor decided that directions should not be served for the growing of wheat for the 1946 harvest. At this stage in the season, when the bulk of the wheat crop has already been sown, my right hon. Friend does not propose to use compulsory powers to secure the sowing of a larger acreage of spring wheat and there will accordingly be no increase in the acreage payment. As regards the steps which my right hon. Friend is taking to encourage the sowing of more wheat for this year's harvest, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my right hon. Friend's reply today to a Question by the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. S. Marshall).
§ Mr. S. Marshallasked the Minister of Agriculture what immediate steps he is taking to increase the acreage of wheat to be grown in this country this year.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsApart from the statement which I made to the House on 5th February, which has received wide publicity, I am intensifying the propaganda campaign, by Press advertisements and otherwise, which has been proceeding for several weeks, to encourage the sowing of more wheat and other grain for this year's harvest. I have also asked the chairman of C.W.A.E.Cs. to take all possible steps to place the position before farmers with a view to obtaining the desired increase in the acreage of spring sown corn.