HC Deb 19 November 1984 vol 68 c75W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his latest estimate of United Kingdom production of the various cereal crops and oilseeds in the current year; and how much of this is likely to be surplus to requirements.

Mr. MacGregor

United Kingdom production of cereals in 1984 is estimated at 26.5 million tonnes, of which some 9 million tonnes is forecast to be surplus to domestic requirements in 1984–85. Export requirements will depend on the world market, but in 1983–84, for example, were some 4.9 million tonnes.

Production of rape seed, the only oil seed of any significance grown in the United Kingdom, is estimated at 923,000 tonnes, all of which is expected under present conditions to find a commercial outlet.