§ Sir F. Medlicottasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how the current cost of farm subsidies compares with the corresponding figures for the years 1947 and 1957.
§ Mr. HareFarming grants and subsidies in the United Kingdom in 1946–47 cost about £34 million including estimated expenditure on fertilisers of £6.8 million borne by the Board of Trade. In addition, losses were incurred by the Ministry of Food in buying from producers in the United Kingdom at guaranteed prices and in selling so as to reach282W consumers at controlled retail prices, but it is impossible to estimate how much represented farm subsidies.
In 1956–57 the cost of agricultural support in the U.K., was £239.2 million including £70.8 million in respect of farming grants and subsidies.
In 1958–59, provision was made in the Estimates Class VIII, Votes 2 and 11 of £301 million for agricultural support including £83.5 million in respect of farming grants and subsidies. The Estimates did not take account of the Annual Review and Determination of Guarantees 1958, nor the subsequent reduction in the retail price of milk for five months this summer; the net effect of these is to reduce the estimated requirement in the current financial year by some £9 million.