§ Mr. Kirkasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the wheat deficiency payment for the period from 1st October to 30th November, 1955, amounted to; and whether it has yet been paid.
Mr. AmoryThe ascertained average price for about 10.6 million cwt. of millable wheat despatched on delivery during the second accounting period (1st October, 1955, to 30th November, 1955), is 21s. 3.7d. per cwt. The standard price for the period is 29s. 5d. per cwt. and the deficiency payment will, therefore, be 8s. 1.3d. per cwt. (£8 2s. 2d. per ton). In addition approximately 69,000 cwt. of wheat brought up to millable standard after sale will be included in the payment. Except for a few certificates which are under query the total payment of £4.3 million to about 38,000 growers will be completed by the end of January.