§ 120. Mr. Awberyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give, in their separate categories the amount of subsidies paid to farmers; and for what purpose they are paid.
§ Mr. GaitskellIt is estimated that subsidies totalling nearly £24i million will be paid by the Agricultural Departments to farmers during the current financial year to encourage agricultural production at home. Particulars of these subsidies were given on 20th April in my reply to a question by the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. Hurd). In addition it is estimated that a subsidy of £7½ million will be borne by the Board of Trade to cheapen fertilisers, and that acreage payments on potatoes and rye totalling £13 million will be paid by the Agricultural Departments. Both of these items are included in the food subsidies, £246 million of which is in respect of home-produced food. The balance of £2251 million represents the cost to the Ministry of Food of selling home-produced food at subsidised prices to consumers.