§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations have been made to him about the fact that a lower proportion of British wheat is accepted under the European Economic Community intervention scheme than is the case with French wheat; and if he will take steps to ensure more equitable treatment for the British farmer.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI have received a number of letters expressing concern that the proportion of bread wheat offered for intervention which passes the tests laid down in Community regulations is lower in the United Kingdom than in some other member States. Research commissioned by my Department indicates how far the problem may be caused by the prescribed machinability test. The results of that research have been passed to the Commission who are now reviewing the value of this test.