Wheat and Barley

HC Deb 17 July 1980 vol 988 cc709-10W

Mr. John Carlisle

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the average length of time that payment has been made for wheat and barley sold to the Intervention Board following its delivery.

Mr. Peter Walker

The average period of time taken to process claims for cereals sold into intervention is 23 days.

Mr. John

Carlisle asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has received any representations from the agricultural merchanting trade regarding the delayed payment for wheat and barley sold into intervention.

Mr. Peter Walker

I have received no formal representations from the agricultural merchanting trade alleging delays in payments for wheat and barley sold into intervention, although my officials have received telephone inquiries about the payment of claims.

Mr. John Carlisle

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied that the Intervention Board has enough storage for wheat and barley that it may be offered during the coming season.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The market appears this year to be more than usually affected by the weather, but the likely level of intervention is monitored and as in past years we would expect to have sufficient capacity to meet demands.