HC Deb 03 March 1954 vol 524 cc94-5W
68. Mr. Renton

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the delays on the part of his Department in recent weeks in taking delivery of wheat from farmers; and what steps he intends to take in order to overcome such delays.

Major Lloyd George

The conditions of purchase of home-grown wheat by my Department allow a 28-day period for delivery. I am not aware that this is being exceeded but if my hon. Friend has any specific case in mind I should be happy to look into it.

69. Mr. Renton

asked the Minister of Food what quantities of wheat from the 1953 harvest have been imported from France; and how this compares with the average of wheat imports from France in the previous five years.

Major Lloyd George

Following in the information.It is not possible to say whether wheat imported from France came from the most recent harvest, and the best figures available are those in respect of imports during the conventional crop year, July to June. During the period from July, 1953, to January, 1954, imports into this country of wheat from France amounted to about 64,000 tons. Imports of wheat from France during the five preceding crop years were:

tons
1948–49 35,073
1949–50 47,295
1950–51 21,686
1951–52 12,211
1952–53 21,625
Average 1934–38 159,000

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