§ 39. Captain FITZROYasked the Prime Minister whether the Government still adhere to their expressed intention of introducing and passing into law this Session legislation giving effect to the agricultural policy of the Government; and whether he can now give a date for its introduction?
119. Captain TERRELLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Oxfordshire executive of the National Farmers' Union has passed a resolution viewing with alarm the delay in introducing the promised Bill on agriculture, and that at the meeting it was suggested 1407 that the hon. and gallant Member for Dudley had given them to understand that it was doubtful if it would be introduced this Session at all; and whether, under these circumstances, he can now make any definite statement on the intentions of the Government in this matter?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)I would refer my hon. and gallant Friends to my previous replies on this subject.
§ Captain FITZROYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that we have had a similar answer to similar questions for the last six months, and that it is creating a great feeling of uncertainty among the agricultural industry, and also a great feeling of mistrust in the value of Government promises?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI am quite aware of the feeling referred to by my hon. Friend, and I certainly hope the Bill will be introduced very shortly. I cannot subscribe to the doctrine of mistrust in Government promises.
§ Mr. LANE-FOXIs the Bill even in draft yet?