§ 5. Mr. BOOTHBYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the oats question is still being examined by the Government; and, if so, when he expects to be in a position to make an announcement of policy?
§ Mr. ELLIOTYes, Sir. But I am not yet in a position to indicate when it will be possible to make a statement.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYDoes my right hon. Friend not recollect that this question has been under consideration by the Government for several years, and in view of the fact that the Prime Minister gave an assurance to a deputation last July that it would be reconsidered urgently, and under his personal supervision, does the right hon. Gentleman not think he might give us an assurance that another year will not be allowed to elapse before we know what is the Government's policy?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI have recently taken over the responsibilities of the Secretary of State, and certainly am not going to give any assurance at the present moment.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake not to use his past experience?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI certainly will not undertake that.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYIs it not a fact that the farmers in the North of Scotland cannot be held responsible for changes in the Government?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThere has been an improvement in the price of oats.