HC Deb 12 May 1893 vol 12 cc782-3
MR. BROOKFIELD (Sussex, Rye)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture, in view of the fact that, in 1886, a Royal Commission reported on the depression then prevailing in certain trades and industries, including agriculture, dealing fully with no less than 15 possible causes of agricultural depression, and that other inquiries have since been held into various subjects connected with agriculture, will he explain what fresh matter it is intended to refer to the Select Committed which he proposes to appoint; and whether, in view of the strong desire in most quarters of the House that the present Session should not pass away without anything definite being attempted for the relief of agriculture, he will communicate with the late President of the Board as to the proposed terms of Reference, and the possibility of narrowing the scope?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. H. GARDNER,) Essex, Saffron Walden

I have examined the Report of the Royal Commission to which the hon. Member refers; but I am bound to say that I have not obtained much assistance there from. The Commission had but few definite recommendations to make, and they express the opinion that the depression in agriculture is not likely to exhibit any material improvement until the competition of soils superior to our own has worked itself out, a conclusion at which I think we should all arrive with considerable reluctance. In my opinion there is now ample room for the further inquiry we propose to institute, and I would especially refer to the desirability of obtaining more extended information as to the working of the Agricultural Holdings Acts of 1883, which have never, I believe, been made the subject of any detailed investigation. With regard to the second part of the question, I can only say that if, as a result of any communication which may take place between hon. Members opposite, the opposition of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Sleaford should be with- drawn, I shall be happy to consider any suggestions as to the precise terms of the Reference which may be proposed to me.