§ LORD BARNBYasked Her Majesty's Government (1) what was the total quantity of wheat imported into the United Kingdom from Canada in (a) the whole of 1954, (b) the first six months of 1955, and the average price paid; (2) what was the total amount of wheat imported into the United Kingdom from all other sources for the same periods, and what was the average price; and (3) whether it is to be understood that long-term contracts for forward delivery from Canada to the United Kingdom exist, and, if so, whether their volume can be stated.
THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD (EARL ST. ALDWYN)During the calendar year 1954, 1,963,000 tons of wheat were imported from Canada at an average price of £28 2s. per ton c.i.f. From all other countries 1,506,000 tons were imported in the same period at an average price of £24 8s. per ton, c.i.f. During the first six months of 1955, 1,118,000 tons of wheat were imported from Canada at an average price of £29 12s. per ton, c.i.f. From all other countries 1,245,000 tons were imported in the same period at an average price of £26 6s. per ton, c.i.f. The purchase of wheat is a matter for the private trade and Her Majesty's Government is not concerned with the terms of the contracts by which private traders purchase the wheat.
House adjourned at seven o'clock.