§ 55. Mr. BUXTONasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will indicate the nature of the Agriculture Bills which he intends to introduce during the present Session?
Mr. GUINNESSThe number of Bills relating to agriculture which can be introduced during the present Session must necessarily depend on the state of Parliamentary business, but I hope that it will at least be possible to introduce Bills to deal with the drainage of the River Ouse, with rabbits and rooks, and to amend the Diseases of Animals Acts and the Destructive Insects and Pests Act.
§ Mr. BUXTONDoes the Minister regard the legislation foreshadowed in the White Paper of a year ago as achieved, or is it still to come?
Mr. GUINNESSThe legislation mentioned in the White Paper last year was not one year's programme. It included the problems, including credits, as to which I have already made a statement, and with which we shall deal as soon as our proposals are ready.
Mr. THOMASWith a view to allaying great anxiety in agricultural districts, can the right hon. Gentleman arrange that they shall know the Government are dealing with rabbits and rooks?
Mr. GUINNESSIt has been pressed upon us year after year by the National Farmers' Union. I have had many discussions with their leaders on the subject, and I think they appreciate that if we can get the County Councils' Association, with whom we are in communication, to play their part on the administration of the scheme, we shall bring in a Bill at once.
§ Major Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIRCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the long-promised legislation on credits will be introduced?
§ Mr. FENBYCan the right hon. Gentleman say if the statement about the Bills to be introduced completes the agricultural policy of the Government this year?