HC Deb 09 July 1919 vol 117 cc1810-2
53. Lieut.-Colonel SPENDER CLAY

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended to delay forming a definite agricultural policy until such time as the Royal Commission on Agriculture has reported; whether the critical state of the industry has been brought to his notice; that fields which have been ploughed up as a war measure are now lying derelict; and that the future production of the land, and especially the crop for 1920, is jeopardised by the uncertainty which prevails?

63. Captain FITZROY

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an early day for the discussion of the Motion on Agriculture appearing on the Order Paper in the name of the hon. Member for the Daventry Division of Northamptonshire?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The Government having agreed to the setting up of a Royal Commission on Agriculture which is instructed to report at an early date, must await the figures ascertained by the Inquiry before laying before the House their agricultural policy.

Captain FITZROY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the setting up of this Commission was promised at least two months ago, that a large number of Members demand a discussion at an early date, and that the postponement of the Government's declaration of policy is doing the most serious injury to agricultural interest at present?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am sorry there has been so much delay in the appointment of the Commission. I hope it will be made up partly by the rapidity with which they work. I do not think it would be possible to have a discussion at an early date, but if there is a general desire I shall certainly try to arrange it.

Lieut.-Colonel CLAY

The growing of the 1920 crop will not await the report of the Commission.

Mr. WHELER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the numerous demands of agricultural bodies that the Government's policy should be declared? Surely if he will grant us an opportunity of discussion it might do a great deal to do away with the unrest which is felt everywhere.

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have said if there is, as I think is the case, a desire for a discussion, I shall try to arrange it, but I have not found, as a matter of experience, that discussion allays agitation.

Mr. R. GWYNNE

When will the Commission be appointed?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It has been appointed.

Mr. G. TERRELL

Will my right hon. Friend make representations to the Commission that it is desirable that its report should be speeded up?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes, that has been done in the most emphatic way.