HC Deb 22 October 1919 vol 120 cc19-20
28. Captain REGINALD TERRELL

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is now able to make any statement on the future agricultural policy of the Government?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)

I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the speech made by the Prime Minister yesterday, which is reported in this morning's Press.

Captain TERRELL

In view of the un-that the Prime Minister yesterday stated he was unable to give us the full agricultural policy owing to the delay in the Report of the Royal Commission, may I ask when this Report is to be expected?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I cannot say for certain, but I hope very soon.

Mr. BILLING

Is it in order to refer hon. Members to newspapers?

Sir D. MACLEAN

May I ask this question of my hon. Friend, Whether he does not think that this House is the place for any statement of policy to be made, and will he take an early opportunity, either by himself or some other duly authorised exponent of ministerial policy, to restate in this House what my hon. Friend has referred to as reports in the Press?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I shall be only too glad to make a statement in this House at the first convenient opportunity.

Mr. TURTON

As the Prime Minister was so delightfully vague on the question of the hours of agricultural labourers may I ask when will he state what the decision of the Government is to be on that question?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I really would recommend my hon. Friend to wait and see.