§ 62. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Food what amount has been paid this financial year by way of home-grown cereal deficiency payments; how much it is now estimated will be paid this financial year; what amount has been paid this financial year by way of deficiency payments for fatstock; and how much it is now estimated will be paid this financial year.
Dr. HillWheat deficiency payments and advances on account of barley acreage payments amounted to £6.1 million up to 26th January. Deficiency payments for fatstock to 21st January amounted to £36.7 million. As regards the Estimates for the financial year, if the hon. Member will repeat his Question in a fortnight's time, I shall then be in a position to answer it.
§ 65. Captain Duncanasked the Minister of Food the cost to the taxpayer for 1954 in making up guaranteed prices to farmers for cattle, sheep, and pigs, respectively.
Dr. HillThe deficiency payments system for livestock was not introduced until 3rd July, 1954. From that date to 31st December, 1954, the guarantee payments for cattle, sheep and pigs amounted to £2.9 million, £5.6 million, and £23.0 million respectively.