HC Deb 05 May 1930 vol 238 cc629-31
76. Mr. WILLIAM TAYLOR

asked the Minister of Agriculture when the White Paper relating to the agricultural policy of His Majesty's Government may be available for the information of the House?

Mr. N. BUXTON

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar question by the hon. Member for Stone (Sir J. Lamb) on 1st May, to which there is at present nothing to add.

Mr. W. TAYLOR

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the grave situation in those counties where arable agriculture operates, and the necessity for an early announcement of policy?

Mr. BUXTON

Proposals are being studied, and an announcement will be made in due course.

Sir ARTHUR STEEL-MAITLAND

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that men are being dismissed continually in agricultural districts because of the uncertainty in which the farmers are placed at the present time with regard to what may be the policy of the Government in future? If the right hon. Gentleman wishes, I can furnish him with definite cases. Can he not, therefore, give us some date on which we may expect a statement of policy?

Mr. BUXTON

I would remind the right hon. Gentleman that a very much longer time elapsed during the late Government's term of office.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman making any attempt to secure a joint conference between the three parties in connection with this matter?

Mr. BUXTON

It was thought more profitable to hold a conference of the three parties in the industry.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Should there not be also a, conference of the three political parties, along with the representatives of the industry?

Mr. BUXTON

I doubt very much whether it would be profitable.

Mr. ALPASS

Is it not a fact that attempts were made to hold a joint party conference, and that the representatives of the Conservative party left the meeting and would not take part?

Captain BALFOUR

In view of the terribly depressed state of the agricultural industry, and the fact that we have had only nine hours' Debate on agriculture since the present Government came into office, cannot the right hon. Gentleman give us a, definite undertaking when we shall be able to discuss the subject?

Mr. BUXTON

I hope that the Ministry of Agriculture Vote will be put down at the earliest possible moment.

The following question stood on the Order Paper in the mane of Viscount WOLMER: *81. "To ask the Minister for Agriculture if he can state when he proposes to make a statement on the agricultural policy of the Government?
Mr. N. BUXTON

That question has already been answered. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"]