HC Deb 02 June 1924 vol 174 cc879-81
72. Mr. SHEPPERSON

asked the Minister of Agriculture if any public funds are being spent as a subsidy towards the agricultural industry and, if so, the total amount for the current year?

No outbreaks were confirmed on the 1st June, 1924.

Re-infections.

Further outbreaks have occurred as follows on premises which were previously infected and had been subsequently re-stocked:—

(a) Premises in respect of which the infected place restrictions were still in force at the time of the second outbreak:—

Chester … … … 1

(b) Premises from which the infected place restrictions had been with drawn:—

Chester … … … 1
Northampton … … … 1
Warwick … … … 1
Perth … … … 1
Total … … … 4

The following is a summary of the position from the 27th August, 1923, to the 1st June, 1924:—

Total number of outbreaks confirmed 3,095
Total number of countries affected:
In England 40
In Wales 2
In Scotland 12
Mr. BUXTON

The answer to this question depends on the meaning which the hon. Member attaches to the word "subsidy." In the narrow sense of the word, no subsidies are paid to agriculture. If, however, he refers to the expenditure out of public funds for the benefit of agriculture on such purposes as education and research, the eradication of disease, the improvement of live stock, etc., the estimated total for the current year is, approximately, £2,500,000. Further, the rating relief given to agricultural land by the Agricultural Bates Acts of 1896 and 1923, which amounted in 1923–4 to £4,150,000, and which it is estimated will amount to approximately the same figure in the current year, might also be included.

Mr. SHEPPERSON

Could not the right hon. Gentleman consider the remission of the excise upon home-grown sugar as a subsidy to the industry, and, therefore, a subsidy to agriculture?

Mr. BUXTON

It depends how you use the word "subsidy."

Mr. MILLS

May I ask whether, if the subsidy is to be defined in terms of research, the subsidy could not be applied to practically every industry in this country?

Mr. BUXTON

That is rather a different question.