HC Deb 03 August 1943 vol 391 cc2079-80
45. Mr. Kendall

asked the Prime Minister when he will be in a position to state to the House the post-war agricultural policy of the Government?

46. Mr. Turton

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now able to announce His Majesty's Government's long-term production policy based on the principles laid down in Resolution XV of the Final Act of the Hot Springs Conference (Cmd. 6451).

50. Major York

asked the Prime Minister when His Majesty's. Government intend to implement Resolution XV. (3) (a) of the final act of the Hot Springs Conference?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs announced in the House on 6th July, His Majesty's Government have accepted the Resolutions of the Food and Agriculture Conference at Hot Springs in so far as they are applicable to the conditions in the United Kingdom. I do not desire at this stage to make any further statement about His Majesty's Government's post-war agricultural policy.

Mr. Kendall

In view of the splendid work which has been put in by the agricultural community and the great deal of anxiety there is throughout the country after the statement made by the Minister of Agriculture last week, is it not about time the Government stated their post-war agricultural policy in the immediate future?.

The Prime Minister

That, is a matter upon which most Governments have been allowed to be the judge.

Mr. De la Bère

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise how impossible is the task of the Minister of Agriculture in present circumstances?

Sir Joseph Lamb

Can the Prime Minister give any indication of how long agriculture will be expected to wait before some decision is made?

The Prime Minister

I cannot at the present time. Matters are being considered. There is very good relationship between the Minister of Agriculture and the agricultural community. Very large issues are raised by these matters, and they must be given the proper amount of examination and reflection.