HC Deb 22 July 1929 vol 230 cc898-9
34. Dr. MORRIS-JONES

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the marked difference in the conditions of the agricultural industry in Wales as compared to those ruling in England; and whether, before any legislation is initiated by him, he will consider the desirability of establishing a commission or a committee of inquiry to report thereon?

Mr. N. BUXTON

The Ministry has a Welsh Department with headquarters at Aberystwyth under the control of a Welsh Secretary, whose advice is available on matters relating to the agricultural industry in Wales. In these circumstances, I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by the establishment of a commission or committee of inquiry as suggested by the hon. Member.

41. Viscount WOLMER

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he proposes to adopt to relieve the agricultural depression now prevailing?

Mr. N. BUXTON

I must ask the Noble Lord to await the statement on the agricultural policy of the Government which I hope to make in due course.

Viscountess WOLMER

Has the right hon. Gentleman got any policy?

61. Mr. KEDWARD

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Government propose to call a conference of the three political parties in the House of Commons to consider ways and means of helping the basic industry of agriculture?

Mr. N. BUXTON

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a similar question put to me on the 18th July by the hon. Member for Eye (Mr. Granville), a copy of which I am sending to him.

Mr. KEDWARD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since he replied to that question, he suggested himself that I should put down this question; and therefore, I hoped to have some different decision, especially in view of the Prime Minister's suggestion that we might cooperate on these matters?

Mr. BUXTON

I might say that the reply indicated that the great differences between policies and parties constituted an obstacle, but that I was anxious to secure the greatest possible agreement under the conditions which exist.

Mr. SKELTON

How can the right hon. Gentleman tell the difference between the Conservative and the Labour agricultural policies, since he has just told us that he does not know yet what the Labour policy is?