§ 22. Mr. Kenneth Carlisleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much he estimates wheat yields will increase over the next decade as a result of scientific progress.
§ Mr. GummerFuture trends in yields are always difficult to predict, but varietal improvements and the uptake of new husbandry techniques could contribute to a 2 per cent. per annum increase in wheat yields over the next decade.
§ 28. Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food upon what evidence with regard to recent trends in wheat prices and production he bases his policy of reducing prices in real terms as a means of curbing surpluses; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerSince the mid–1970s the real producer price per tonne of wheat in the Community has declined on average by more than 2.5 per cent. a year. However, due to productivity improvements and rising yields, the real return per hectare actually increased. Not surprisingly, the long-term trend in the area of the crop shows little change. Price reductions sufficient to reduce returns per hectare will therefore be needed to achieve a better market balance.