asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the reluctance of the agricultural community to grow wheat at a price below cost of production, and on soil much deteriorated for lack of essential fertilisers; if so, if it is his intention to review the wheat situation with a view to having a price fixed which will give a just return to the grower and enable farmers to prepare land for the winter sowing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Wheat.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the substantial reduction in acreage under wheat this year, the increased cost of production, the progressive fall in yields, and the fact that farmers are getting better returns from other cereals, he will, in order to stimulate production, consider increasing the price of wheat for the coming season to £3 per barrel.
I am replying to questions Nos. 38 and 39 together.
I have already announced that the Government have agreed to an increase of 5/- per barrel for wheat of the 1944 crop over the price fixed for the crop of 1943. In view of the gravity of the situation as regards the country's food supplies every occupier coming under the provisions of the Compulsory Tillage Order for 1944 will be required to grow a specified minimum area of wheat.