§ Mr. H. Fraserasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the wheat deficiency payment will be for the period from 1st March to 30th April, 1955; and when it will be paid.
Mr. AmoryThe ascertained average price for about 7.6 million cwt. of millable wheat despatched on delivery during the fourth accounting period (1st March, 1955, to 30th April, 1955) is 22s. 11.7d. per cwt. The standard price for the period is 33s. 1d. per cwt. and the deficiency payment will, therefore, be 10s. 1.3d. per cwt. (£10 2s. 2d. per ton). In addition, approximately 100,000 cwt. of wheat brought up to millable standard after sale will be included in the payment.
About 30,000 growers will share £3.9 million. Except for a few certificates which are under query, payment will begin towards the end of June and be completed during July.