§ 2. Sir R. Boothbyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the price of the greater part of the oats sold in the north of Scotland was substantially below the average national price; and whether he will introduce a scheme of differential payments for this area, in order to encourage the increased production of this valuable fodder crop.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe average price of oats in the North of Scotland in the current cereal year is rather below the national average. This is the normal price relationship and I do not consider that special action on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend would be practicable.
§ Sir R. BoothbyIf my right hon. Friend does not like the idea of regional arrangements, will he do his best generally to try to reduce any gap that may exist between the realised market price and the guaranteed national average price throughout Scotland?
§ Mr. StuartI should not like to commit myself to being able to achieve that desirable objective, but it does, of course, to some extent, depend on the quality of the oats, as my hon. Friend will be aware.
§ Captain DuncanDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that the suggestion in the Question is a dangerous one for Scotland, because it might react on the price for beef obtained in Scotland, which is higher than the national average?
§ Mr. StuartI have reason to believe that some of the leaders of the farming world are not satisfied that this would be sound in principle.