§ 24. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the -Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the proposals in America for the stabilisation of agricultural prices, known as the McNary Haugen plan; if he is aware that these proposals include the disposal of the surplus agricultural products of America overseas by Government action at any price they will fetch; and whether he is considering the possible effects on British agriculture and proposes to prepare himself to take suitable action?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)I am aware of the proposals to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. In regard to the last part of the question, any possible effect they might have on British agriculture will be carefully considered?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the proposals for price stabilisation of agricultural products in this country as proposed by the Labour party?
§ Mr. GUINNESSWe have considered it, but those proposals are very different from die American proposals. The American proposals are to stabilise prices in the interest of the producer, whereas the proposals put forward on the opposite side of the House are chiefly prompted, according to the information so far given, in the interest of the consumer.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the principle is exactly the same, except that the United States is an exporting country and we are an importing country? Will the right hon. Gentleman look into it again?
§ Mr. BLUNDELLHas the right hon. Gentleman any information about the Swiss scheme for stabilising prices, which has recently been brought to an end?
§ Mr. GUINNESSIf my hon. Friend will put down a question, I can give him the information.
§ Sir ROBERT THOMASWould it not be far better in the interest of the British farmer that no action should be taken at all in this matter, and that it would be better for the goods to come here under cost price?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is an argument.