HC Deb 24 March 1969 vol 780 c225W
Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what he estimates has been the effect on cash resources and working capital currently available of the shortfall between the £509 million aggregate net farming income for 1968–69 calculated by his Department for normal weather conditions and the estimated £477 million actually received; and if he will take steps to finance the production cycle between this year's Price Review and the harvest and sale of food grown under it.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

Availability, at any particular time, of cash resources and working capital depends on a number of factors. I cannot make any precise estimate of the difference between the current position and what might have been the situation in a normal year. I recognise the effect upon investment of last year's poor harvest. This consideration was given weight by the Government when making the price determinations announced last week.

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