§ Miss Vickersasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the wheat deficiency payment for the period 2W from 1st March to 30th April, 1956, amounted to; and whether it has yet been paid.
Mr. AmoryThe ascertained average price for about 7.8 million cwt. of mill-able wheat despatched on delivery during the fourth accounting period (1st March, to 30th April, 1956) is 25s. 2d. per cwt. The standard price for the period is 32s. 2d. per cwt. and the deficiency payment will, therefore, be 7s. per cwt. (£7 per ton). In addition, approximately 20,000 cwt. of wheat brought up to mill-able standard after sale will be included in the payment.
Except for a few certificates which are under query the total payment of £2.7 million to about 24,000 growers will be completed by the end of June.