§ 47. Sir J. LAMBasked the Prime Minister when the White Paper on Agricultural Policy will be published; whether the White Paper will state in detail the action which it is proposed to take in response to the recommendations received from the Agricultural Conference; and whether a day will be allocated in the immediate future for a discussion of the condition of agriculture?
§ 79. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Agriculture when the White Paper on the Government's agricultural policy will be available for Members?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of AGRICULTURE (Dr. Addison)I have been asked to reply. A number of proposals are receiving expert examination, and, when 362 the inquiries are complete, a statement will be made. My right hon. Friend cannot anticipate the form which will be adopted, or the material which it will contain. In reply to the last part of the question by the hon. Member for Stone (Sir J. Lamb), I would refer him to the reply which the Prime Minister gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for Eye (Mr. Granville) on the 3rd March.
§ Sir J. LAMBCan the right hon. Gentleman give any intimation at all when it is probable that we shall have any statement from him or from anyone in the Government with regard to this question? Is he not aware that it is now nearly 12 months since promises were made, and nothing whatever has been done for the industry?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLConsidering that Question No. 47 deals, among other things, with the business of the House, asking whether a day will be allocated in the immediate future for a discussion of the condition of agriculture, is there any reason why the Prime Minister should not have answered it himself?
§ Mr. W. B. TAYLORHaving regard to the urgency of this problem, will the right hon. Gentleman exclude the further delay of any reference to a referendum?
§ Mr. BOOTHBYCan we have no date at all from the Government when they are going to make a pronouncement upon policy or give an opportunity for discussion? Agriculture has not been mentioned for 12 months in this House.
§ 71. Mr. ALBERYasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is now in a position to give the House detailed information concerning the Government's agricultural policy?
§ Dr. ADDISONI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a similar question on the 3rd April, to which there is at, present nothing to add.
§ Mr. ALBERYCan the right hon. Gentleman indicate when I may repeat the question so as to get a reply?
§ Dr. ADDISONI think that that is a question which the hon. Member must decide for himself.
§ Mr. BUTLERDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that this matter is vital to the life of a great many people in this country?